Whole Foods Extravaganza

Whole Foods is a wonderful place. I  wish it were closer. It's a good thirty minutes away, making it only a once or twice a month trip for me. I could spend hours there, honestly. I won't go into detail as to what's available there, as I'm sure you all know. However, I have recently realized their prices on many items are comparatively priced to my local supermarket, and sometimes even better. Alas, there are certainly items more expensive, but for the convenience I'll just purchase them there or make a quick stop elsewhere.

On my last visit, I discovered a few fantastic tidbits. They have a Kid's Club. Who knew? I certainly didn't. But I was pleasantly surprised while waiting in line to return a beauty product I didn't love (GREAT return policy.) A woman with young child in tow asked for the Kid's Club special treat. What? Fortunately I didn't have any little ones with me, unfortunately I couldn't test out this new discovery. I certainly asked about it. In my local Whole Foods, simply ask for the Kid's Club snack at customer service and you'll receive a single-size treat. The two times I've been able to take advantage of it they've offered a fruit snack and a pumpkin/sesame cracker - both thoroughly enjoyed by my 4-year old. From what I've read online, availability varies by store, as well as how they manage it. Some stores require a special card, some stores allow you to pick out your treat while you shop and then reimburse you at check-out.

I also found out they will replace your reusable Whole Foods shopping bags for free. They really do. Mine should've been replaced a while ago, but I never asked about it. During checkout, the woman bagging my groceries took notice of the many rips and pulls on my bags and went ahead and gave me new ones. Fabulous.

Yet another bonus, Whole Foods offers cooking classes and special programs for both adults and children. I have yet to participate in any, but it sounds like they're always offering a special program, activity, or event. You can check online at www.wholefoodsmarket.com for a calendar of events in your local area. For example, the Glastonbury, CT store is having a Gluten-Free Extravaganza this weekend. While you're on their site, check out their coupons. Another 'who knew' for me - didn't know they existed until my recent web search.

Homestyle Granola

My family and I love granola! I've always been hesitant to make it from scratch, although I'm not sure why. It's very simple to make and this version has some healthy additions that make this granola a staple in our home. I've adapted this from Alicia Silverstone's recipe in The Kind Diet: A Simple Guide to Feeling Great, Losing Weight, and Saving the Planet. I am a huge fan of this book and will refer to it often. It's not only a great resource of information for me, but she has some fabulous recipes.

Enjoy this granola with milk (or a nondairy milk), as a yummy snack for the kids or as a dessert topping.

Granola with strawberries and almond milk

homestyle granola recipe

ingredients:

6 cups quick-cooking oats

1/2 cup maple sugar (although this is more healthy, it's very expensive. Cane sugar is a good alternative)

3/4 cup wheat germ

1/2 cup shredded coconut

1/2 cup sunflower seeds

1 cup chopped nuts or raisins

1/2 cup safflower oil

1/3 cup brown rice syrup or maple syrup (I prefer brown rice syrup - I love the clumps it makes and it tastes a little sweeter)

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Seasonal fruit (optional)

directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Spread the oats evenly on a rimmed baking sheet, and bake for 10 minutes. Combine toasted oats and remaining dry ingredients in a large bowl. Mix well, then add the syrup, oil and vanilla extract. Mix until moistened...leave the clumps, in my opinion, the more the merrier - they're the best part.

3. Spread half the mixture on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. Stir halfway through to brown evenly.

4. Let cool, then transfer to a bowl and stir until crumbly. Store in an airtight container for up to one month.

Makes 2 quarts.