Basil Pesto

• 2 packed cups basil leaves
• 1 large clove garlic, peeled and sliced
• 3/4 cup good quality olive oil
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup toasted pinenuts or walnuts (optional)

Puree in food processor until the ingredients form a smooth paste.

Christmas Granola

• 3 1/2 cups rolled oats
• 1 1/4 cups dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
• 3 teaspoons finely grated orange rind
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 160/140 ℃ fan forced.

Combine oats, cranberries, sunflower seeds, orange rind and cinnamon in a large bowl. Place honey in a saucepan over low heat. Cook for 30 seconds or until honey is runny. Add honey mixture to oat mixture. Stir to combine

Spoon into a large heavy based roasting pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes, or until golden. Set aside to cool completely. Serve with milk

Makes 6 cups.