Free Will Granola

Spending a few days in bed sick gets me feeling a little crazy, and a little philosophical. Viruses can be very persuasive in their arguments for determinism, but this morning my lizard brain slept in and the higher functions were able to coax me into giving free will another go.

“It’s time for action!” they chirped.

“You can beat this!” they encouraged.

“Mind over matter!” they cajoled.

“What’s for breakfast?” they nagged.

So, I went to it and made granola, wheezing all the while. Pretty soon I was beyond exhausted and ready to grab my jar of Vicks Vaporub and crawl back into bed, but I had a nice supply of yummy comfort cereal to show for my work and help me get through the rest of my sick time. Chalk one up for agency.

Invictus
by William Ernest Henley

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find me, unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate;
I am the captain of my soul.

Be the master of your fate and the captain of your soul—make granola!

Free Will Granola

• 3-1/2 cups rolled oats
• 1/2 cup oat bran
• 1/3 cup sunflower seeds
• 1/4 cup sesame seeds
• 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
• 1/4 cup canola oil
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1-1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 3 tablespoons real maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons hot water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup flax seeds
• 3/4 cup chopped or slivered almonds
• 3/4 cup desiccated coconut

Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Cover the bottom of a shallow baking pan with parchment paper or coat with a light misting of cooking spray. 

Combine oats, oat bran, sunflower, sesame, and pumpkin seeds in a large bowl.

In a small bowl, mix together the oil, honey, cinnamon, maple syrup, vanilla, hot water, and salt—use a fork and stir till well-blended. Pour mixture over the dry ingredients and stir till evenly coated.

Add in the flax seeds, almonds, and coconut and mix well.

Spread the granola evenly in the pan. Bake for an hour, stirring the mix occasionally, until it turns lightly golden. Cool in pan. Enjoy!

Makes two quarts and some change.