Granola

So, Hannah and I often refer to people who are very "natural" as "granola". To use it in a sentence we might say, "She's so granola she crunches when she walks." Not that being natural is a BAD thing - as we all know the whole world is "going green." It's just kind of hard to break those bad habits we have and try new things that might be (okay ARE) better for us, the environment, etc.
Anyway, I have been following a lovely woman's blog for a while now named MckMama. If any of you do too, you know that she is what I would classify as Granola - BIG TIME!!! She's into exclusive breastfeeding for the first YEAR of life, cloth diapers, drinking RAW milk, washing with goat's milk soap, really healthy eating and on and on. She's also really cool, witty, a great photographer and a really strong Christian who has been through such an ordeal with her youngest son's health recently. She inspired me to try a new recipe and let's just say it didn't go so well.
She often talks about eating hummus and while I love the store bought version (I usually buy Sabra brand - Roasted Pine Nut flavor) I've never made it myself. She posted the recipe about a week ago on her blog and I gathered all the necessary ingredients today at Publix - including ORGANIC chickpeas. I also bought carrot chips and sugar snap peas to use as my dippers instead of crackers. I KNOW!! So, this morning after I got everything put away I broke out my (okay Hannah's that I have on an extended loan agreement) Food Processor and got to pureeing up some hummus! So far, not so good. The flavor is alright, but the texture is way too runny. Not the smooth, creamy store brand texture I'm used to. It is chilling in the refrigerator right now and I'm hoping that will help it thicken or else it's headed straight for the garbage disposal!
Anyway, I am trying to be more environmentally friendly overall. I have a LONG way to go, but I have been consistently using my canvas grocery bags and I have to say that it is so much better because the hold a TON more than those flimsy plastic bags. I also do buy some organic foods - mostly dairy and it tastes so much better!! I have changed most of our light bulbs out to the CFL ones that use less energy, too. Simple things that make a difference in the long run. But just let me set the record straight - there will be no cloth diapering going on in this house! Sorry, it just ain't gonna happen!! I am thinking of trying some of her suggestions for more natural cleaning methods. All those chemicals can't be good for us. I'll post on that if I get better results that the hummus!