Cinnamon Raisin Bannock

Is Bannock a Canadian food?

It is eaten in most regions of the country, so yes, I would say it is Canadian.It is a quick round bread that is usually fried and when cut in wedges it is called scones.This food has been traced back to the Indigenous Indians and is made from flour, water and baking powder. It was brought to the Indians from the Scottish people.  Settlers did make this type of bread on the trail.

I decided to try to make bannock as I have eaten it before.  It is a quick bread that you can make on your stove and not heat your house up.  It is tasty and filling.  I decided to add spices and raisins to mine.

Cinnamon Raisin Bannock

 recipe adapted from Allrecipes.com

3 cups flour ( 1 used 1 cup whole wheat and 2 cups white)
1 tsp salt
2 tablespoons baking powder 
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/4 cup butter melted
1.5 cup water
raisin ( I didn't measure, just threw some in)
oil to fry (I used coconut oil)

In large bowl add flour, salt, baking powder, cinnamon and nutmeg.  Add  and butter and stir with fork until makes a ball. Add raisins and mix until combined.  Place ball on lightly floured surface and knead gently about 10 times.  Break dough into about 12 pieces and flatten into circles that are about 1/4 -1/2 inch thick.
Heat oil in frying pan, over  medium heat, fry bread until golden brown.  It took about 4 -5 minutes each  side.  
You can also bake these in the oven at 350 degrees F for 25-30 minutes.

Enjoy

Note:  This recipe could be made in a frying pan over an grill or in a grill pan over an open fire.

Granola Bars... the most delicious ones yet.

 Fri

I love granola bars and my husband eats them like they are going out of style...

and I finally found a bar that works for us...

tastes good, not too sweet

and has fruit..

YUM!

Fruity Granola Bar

adapted from All-recipes.com 

2 cups rolled oats

1/4 cup brown sugar*

1/2 cup flax

3/4 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp nutmeg

1 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup shredded coconut

3/4 tsp salt

3/4 cup dried fruit (I use cranberries, apricots and mangoes)*

1/2 cup honey

1 egg beaten

1/2 cup coconut oil ( I use Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil) melted

2 tsp vanilla 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Grease a 9 x 13 baking dish generously. 

In large bowl mix together rolled oats, brown sugar, flax, cinnamon, nutmeg, coconut, flour, salt, and dried fruit. Make a well in the center of ingredients.  In separate bowl mix honey, egg, coconut oil and vanilla and pour into dry ingredients.  With hand mix everything together and pat into baking dish.

Bake for 30 - 35 minutes until edges start turning brown.  Cool for 5 minutes and then cut into bars.  Cool the rest of the way.  You need to cut them after 5 minutes or they will be too hard to cut.

*I have omitted the brown sugar entirely and they still turn out.  

* when using dried fruit the majority is the cranberries and then added cut apricots and mangoes for the rest. Cut in small pieces

**  I have also doubled the recipe and still used the 9 X 13 pan.. they are thicker and I cut them into thinner pieces.

Enjoy!

These are great for breakfast and breakfast on the go, and for snacks.

They also would be a good Christmas gift to give for people that are on the go..

Links: Tasty Thursdays, Foodie Friends Friday , Serenity Saturday