Summer Hostess Gifts, Like Olive Oil Granola—My Latest On Refinery29!

Good morning, all! Quick question for you: Do you have any big summer plans? I feel like summer always slips away before I can plan anything! Does that happen to you, too? Or do you already have some incredible trips, events, adventures lined up—I'd love to know! 

With summer travel in mind, I just wrote a post for Refinery29 about homemade edible hostess gifts. I'm never quite sure what to bring to a weekend away but one thing's certain, you can't show up empty handed (especially when a gracious friend's offering to host you)! If you'd like to take a look, these 3 DIY gift ideas are all easy to make, inexpensive and much more personal than just a bottle of rosé...though that does sound appealing, too! I've shared this Olive Oil Granola recipe with you before but here it is again, in case you need a fresh copy. Head over to Refinery29 for detailed packaging ideas! xox

SUPER-EASY GRANOLA

MAKES: about 8 cups 

3 cups old-fashioned oats

1 cup pepitas 

1 cup sunflower seeds

2 cups walnuts and/or almonds

3/4 cup real maple syrup

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

1 to 2 cup dried cranberries 

1. Preheat the oven to 350˚. Line a large rimmed baking sheet—or two smaller baking sheets—with parchment paper. Mix all ingredients (except for the cranberries) in a bowl to combine. 

2. Spread on the prepared baking sheet and bake until golden and slightly dry, about 1 hour. Stir in the cranberries and return to the oven for 15 minutes. Let cool on the baking sheet, then store in an air-tight container.