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Another theme that inevitably will reveal itself here over the next couple months is that of leaving Lawrence. I tend to get very weepy and reflective in times of change. During my last semester of college, I started crying in my car when "Forever Young" came on the radio. There are more of those stories, but I will spare you. I am a nostalgic, emotional person. I think it has to do with being the oldest sibling, so there's really nothing I can do about it.

Family photo by Sarah Foil

First of all, I have an incredible family. It is a gift. They are my first and forever home, and I probably wouldn't need anyone else to survive happily. But I left Hutch seven years ago and God has continued to add really supportive, loving people to my life. The friends I have made since coming to Lawrence (including the fellow camp staff from other parts of Kansas) have seen me through some really wonderful and really challenging things. I have come to rely on them as much as my family. 

I'll use this out-of-focus shot to represent everyone.

But along with this deep sadness of leaving home is a wonderful anticipation that God can and will provide this again. He continues to teach me to trust him with that. Just last night I attended a bonfire graduation party with people I've known less than one month. And these people are interesting and loving and hilarious and faithful. It gives me such hope that once I get to Philly, I will find a support system there. I am not losing any part of the two homes that I know now -- I am only growing. 


And yes, I can say that that trust has given me perfect peace about all of this, but if I'm being honest, a very real source of comfort in this move is that she will be there to greet me. 

With love.

I think I'll start with breakfast

Every once in awhile I create a meal that I am really proud of. Inspiration strikes and I quickly throw ingredients together, stand back to admire my work, then look around to see if anyone noticed. Sometimes all of my roommates are gone and no one is there to notice -- the great plight of a 20-something single girl. (Once, I cooked a perfect filet, medium rare, with sautéed baby spinach and peppers, poured myself a glass of wine and set one place at the dining room table. I believe the stillness in the house enhanced my sense of taste. It was spiritual. And no, I don't often drink wine alone. A filet is a special occasion.)

Thankfully, more often than not, I enjoy my sense of taste and love of cooking with people very dear to me. Life revolves around lunch dates and dinner parties because they are nice to have on the calendar, amid 40 hours of work each week. My parents and grandparents are wonderful cooks, and as my own cooking and eating styles develop, God has surrounded me with more people who are equally passionate about delicious (and wholesome, high-quality) food. As I begin a pretty major life transition, I am certain that food will remain a constant, no matter where I live or work.

I may not always talk about food here -- I do have a trip to China coming up and a move across the country, for Pete's sake. I will have other things to discuss. I love food blogs, but I just hope this one becomes a reflection and record of this crazy journey that God has me on right now. I am so thankful you're following along.

Okay, enough of that. I have completely buried the lede. I made some granola that I am pretty darn proud of. I love granola and make it often, but never quite like this. With joint inspiration from Joy the Baker (do not peruse her recipe index on an empty stomach or if you gave up chocolate for Lent, fair warning) and my friend Lindsay, who puts banana in everything, I have created my favorite granola yet. No egg, no oil, no sugar (except what's in the peanut butter). Since no one is around to notice, I've created this outlet to show you.

Peanut Butter Banana Granola

1 speckled banana, mashed

1/2 c. peanut butter (Skippy Natural, if you know what's good for you)

3 c. oats (I like the texture of old fashioned)

a handful of chopped pecans or almonds (or both!)

a sprinkling of cinnamon

dried fruit, to your liking

That's it! 

Preheat the oven to 350. Mix mashed banana with peanut butter. Gently stir in the oats and nuts, spread onto a rimmed baking sheet, then sprinkle with cinnamon. Bake for 15 minutes, give a quick stir and return to the oven for 10-15 minutes more. Watch closely and remove just as the oats begin to turn golden.

Let the granola cool completely, then stir in the dried fruit (not pictured, because I didn't have any at the moment). Store in an airtight mason jar, preferably one that has not recently been used for pickles.


My favorite pairing is plain yogurt (or frozen yogurt....dessert always) and a banana. But you should find your favorite; this granola is your oyster.

With love.