Shhh...you didn't hear it from me but we're joining forces with Cass Community Social Services, a non-profit providing services to the homeless and all those in need.
Last year their culinary arts program enrolled 350 students, "many of them emerging from lives of homelessness, substance abuse and or long term unemployment. Graduates who complete the 12-week program fill positions in the food industry.
With their assistance, we'll roll out a line of granola, our first of what I hope to be many healthy food products. Profits will go to Cass.
Questions, questions....With regards to granola:
How do you want to see it packaged? Do you want breakfast mixes, snack mixes? If so, what flavors?
Do you want a low calorie breakfast mix that includes granola and other lower calorie, healthy whole grains?
What should we call our line of food products?
What should we name the granola?
Thank you for your kind assistance! It really means a lot.
Oh, Grrlscout, I'm so glad you liked it! I am anxious to try it with brown rice syrup because a good friend of mine can't have any sweeteners except that, and I'd like to try it out with that. I'll post my results once I figure that one out
I did also want to post that yesterday I made some granola (been making a couple of batches a week here lately), and totally screwed up and used 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1 cup water, then had to add the other 1/2 cup brown sugar at the end (I was out of honey and molasses--time to make a co-op order ) It took more baking time, but I ended up with some nice big chunks of granola, which I prefer to the individual pieces. So I think I'm going to start experimenting with adding more water and going with a longer baking time.
While the almond extract isn't necessary (obviously, since KDs original recipe didn't include it) I really like the flavor that it gives.
One other thing that I have tried (not recently, but in the past) is to make granola with other flaked grains. My mom used to make granola with a mixture of rolled barley, wheat, rye, oats, and another flaked grain (can't remember what though). She got them all at the health food store when I was a kid.....I'm sure you could also get them in bulk at Whole Foods.
Blessings,
Lori
Re-committing myself to a healthy lifestyle that will include regular (and increasing) exercise, and following the baby steps rule on food. 6/17/08
Posts: 3149 | Location: California | Registered: March 11, 2004
Hey Lori, I just wanted to say thanks for the recipe! I used it to make some granola this weekend, and it's delish!!
Unfortunately I didn't have almond extract, so I skipped it. I used sliced almonds, sunflower seeds, and pepitas (I LOVE nuts and seeds). I also added some sesame seeds, and at the end, raisins.
I'm enjoying some in my yogurt right now.
quote:
Originally posted by Lori4squaremom: Less sugar, more natural sweeteners. I have adapted your crunchy granola recipe to this....
8 cups rolled oats 1 cup sliced almonds or sunflower seeds (or whatever nuts ) 1/2 cup honey 1/2 cup water 1/2 cup dark unsulphered molasses 1 tsp salt 1 tsp. almond extract 1 tbsp vanilla extract.
I mix the honey, water and molasses together and cook in the microwave for 2 minutes to melt everything. Then I add the salt and extracts and stir it into the granola and bake it per your instructions.
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Posts: 1428 | Location: Phoenix, AZ | Registered: March 11, 2004
That is a great idea!! I would love to see both breakfast and snack mixes, and flavor wise, I have always loved cinnamon granola, or any granola with a fruit flavor, such as cherry (with dried cherries), apple, etc.
Can't wait to see the results
Robin
Formerly "Robinbebe"
Posts: 420 | Location: SE Michigan | Registered: August 19, 2004
Great idea!! I vote yes for the following previously suggested concepts: scoop in the bag (brilliant) resealable inner bag with fabric outer bag (like basmati rice comes in burlap) fruitless flavors and nut-free varieties more grains (wheat germ, bran)
And my one original suggestion: COCONUT and dried pineapple for a pina-granola flavor! Package must have KD in a hula skirt...
Posts: 1104 | Location: NH | Registered: February 28, 2005
Originally posted by cate: On the packaging, do a couple of different bios of people who are involved in making it (maybe a different bio for each flavor or something)
Love this idea! To take it a step further, how about naming different varieties after different people, and having their bio on it.
Something like this:
Joe's Java Jonesola Joe came to the program a year ago and is now working as a prep cook. He can't get by without his morning coffee. So here's a granola flavor just for him!
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Posts: 1428 | Location: Phoenix, AZ | Registered: March 11, 2004
I am studying graphic design, and I think the granola should be called Granola for a Cause or Cause for Granola, instead of Pause for Granola, this is just the first idea that came to me, If the labling and logo is done right I think it would work. The colors needs to be eye catching and pop. I like a granola with lots of big clusters, and lots of nuts and dried fruit. Have a good day, Jennifer
Make a wheat-free version? (or two?) I can't eat a lot of oats anymore, but can't buy granola for the occasional desire, because it all has wheat in it.
I like the prepackaged serving size idea. maybe also make an even smaller container which would work for yogurt.
I used to love Trader Joe's Ginger Granola. Yum! It had ginger and cashews in it. Haven't been able to make one as intense at home.
Ideas for the dried fruit component, there are those "Just fruits" that might work well. I have a breakfast cereal that contains the mango bits, and its heavenly.
On the packaging, do a couple of different bios of people who are involved in making it (maybe a different bio for each flavor or something) So you get the story of someone pulling themselves up by their bootstraps, and promo the cause as well.
You have gotten lots and lots of great ideas here already. Here's what would cause me to buy your granola product....
Less sugar, more natural sweeteners. I have adapted your crunchy granola recipe to this....
8 cups rolled oats 1 cup sliced almonds or sunflower seeds (or whatever nuts ) 1/2 cup honey 1/2 cup water 1/2 cup dark unsulphered molasses 1 tsp salt 1 tsp. almond extract 1 tbsp vanilla extract.
I mix the honey, water and molasses together and cook in the microwave for 2 minutes to melt everything. Then I add the salt and extracts and stir it into the granola and bake it per your instructions.
I mix it in a big tub with cheerios and we eat it for breakfast, over applesauce, over yogurt, etc.
Onto some ideas....
I like the name "Cass' Crunch" I would tend to purchase it if it were in individual serving size packages for eating on the run, or when I'm really struggling with portion control.
I'd love to see it mixed with other grains!!! I'd tend to purchase it more readily if it had more grains, less refined sugars, and I agree...no dried fruits...they tend to get hard and gross. Or maybe have a fruitless variety.
I LOVE the idea of having one that is savory with some savory herbs for a snack mix....maybe with some dry roasted peanuts or something like that? Or smoky almonds? ooooh, YUMMOOOO!
Affordable price. Personally, because I"m feeding a family of 6 on a budget (granted, it is a decent budget), and I don't buy cereals unless I can purchase it for $2 per pound or less.
Also, I tend to throw the boxes away when I open a package, because they are too difficult to pour out of (I have cereal bags all over the place in the pantry ) especially for the kids. So I would ask that maybe for packaging, you either do a milk carton type container, OR just a simply plastic bag (but not one that tears easily).
I'd love to see bright colors on your packaging....bright blues/purples/fuschias ?
Blessings,
Lori
Re-committing myself to a healthy lifestyle that will include regular (and increasing) exercise, and following the baby steps rule on food. 6/17/08
Posts: 3149 | Location: California | Registered: March 11, 2004
What a wonderful idea. I have one granola request. Please do one without any dried fruit/raisins. I have found that the dried fruit in most granola is hard as a rock and I end up picking it out.
What a great idea! This is a little off the wall but I tend to want salty snacks a lot. I have thought about trying to come up with a savory granola for snacking. I have this recipe (needs to be made healthier) called Crunchy Seasoned Crescents. You make this "granola-y" filling and roll it up in crescent rolls. It is SO good. You can sprinkle it on salads or on soup too. Here is the recipe in case it sparks any ideas:
1 c. old fashioned oats 1/2 c. grated parmesan cheese 1/4 c. wheat germ 1/4 c.melted butter 1/4 t. salt Combine all ingredients. Sprinkle onto a shallow baking pan, bake in a preheated oven at 350 for 15 minutes or until lightly browned. Store in fridge.
In case anyone is interested, roll up some of this in cresesnt rolls and bake according to package. delicious. These were one of my favorites as a kid.
"Habits are like supervisors that you don't notice." -- Hannes Messemer
I love Susanrows idea of Scoop in a box to keep you Honest. I also eat granola with yogurt so not going soggy is important. Something kid friendly. I like all the flavors presented just no spicy. I don't do hot. mnm
Packaging: Since this is a charity product it helps to remind the consumer of the people who make it. My suggestion would be to keep the packing simple and hand done, so that when someone picks the bag or box up in the store, they feel a connection to the program's participants. Something like a releasable baggy inside a cotton sack tied with ribbon, or in glass (or plastic) mason jars with hand written labels (or look handwritten), or simple boxes made with recycled materials with photos of the program on the back. I think a breakfast packaging would be good, but you can include a simple "recipe" for transforming it into a snack.
Flavors: my favorite is vanilla cinnamon pecan. You might want a no-nuts version, too, for people with nut allergies.
Names: I got nuttin. Sorry.
Fall goals: 1. Bike 40-50 miles a week 2. Prepare new garden bed for next season 3. Heal my back
Posts: 735 | Location: Jersey Shore, USA | Registered: March 11, 2004
I love this idea! The Episcopal Diocese here in SF has a program called CHEFS - Curing Homelessness through Employment in Food Service. Same concept -- learn to cook, get a job, get off the street. My friend worked for the program for years and it's been very successful.
My only contribution to packaging ideas would be a measuring scoop in each box to "keep you honest" about your serving size.
As for the granola, a healthy low-cal version would be great. I like the idea of a combination of healthy lower calorie grains.
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