I spent most of this week in Cary, North Carolina taking care of my Granddaughter Rachel while her parents were on a job related trip. Rachel’s other Grandmother Darla and I shared the pleasure of looking after her. After dropping Rachel off at pre-school one morning, we stopped at one of our favorite breakfast spots, La Farm Bakery. La Farm is a “modern bakery that continues the centuries-old baking traditions and techniques and honors the ordinary yet extraordinary boulangeries that once flourished in every little town in France”. French born owner Lionel Vatinet is a “Master Baker who’s risen as one of the highest quality bread producers and most sought after bread baking consultants in America.”. His bakery has been featured in Food & Wine and Conde Nast’s Traveller.
I had the quiche Lorraine for breakfast. It was studded with smoky bacon and swiss cheese in a puff pastry crust.
Darla enjoyed her quiche too. It was a little spicier than mine with cheddar and peppers.
The cafe serves both breakfast and lunch in an attractive brick lined dining area. There are also tables outside in the front of the bakery where you can eat in fine weather. We are lucky to have this taste of France so close to home.
Darla and Rachel treated me to a birthday dinner on Monday. Spending my birthday with two of my favorite people made it a very special day indeed.
Here is a recipe for the granola that they serve at La Farm.
CHUNKY GRANOLA
This crispy, lightly sweet, brittle-like granola is made with high-fiber oats and protein-rich seeds, including flaxseeds, which are also high in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
2/3 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup canola oil
1/2 cup honey
3 cups rolled oats
1 cup sliced almonds
1/3 cup unsalted roasted sunflower seeds
1/3 cup sesame seeds
1/3 cup flaxseeds
Plain low-fat yogurt for serving
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F and position a rack in the center. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper; spray the paper with vegetable oil spray.
2. In a small saucepan combine the brown sugar, oil and honey. Cook over low heat until just warmed through. In a large bowl, stir the honey mixture into the rest of the ingredients until well distributed. Spread the mixture on the prepared baking sheet and bake until golden, about 45 minutes. Transfer the baking sheet to a wire rack and let the granola cool.
3. Invert the baking sheet onto a work surface and tap out the brittle. Peel off the parchment paper. Break the granola into chunks. Return it to the pan and cool on a wire rack. Serve with yogurt.
Spending your birthday with your favourite people is the way to go I would say. Happy belated B-day!!
Hope you had a wonderful birthday! That Bakery sounds and looks like my kind of place;the quiche looks so good.
Your Happy Birthday is quite evident in those smiles!
That’s MY kind of celebration, as well. I can’t think how anybody could celebrate a holiday without at least SOME family involved—the more, the better.
And your breakfast—Wonder how far it is to Cary from here . . .
The bakery sounds wonderful and I love the decor and atmosphere. my favorite sort of place.
Happy Birthday to you, Penny. Your little Rachel makes a great celebrating partner. Is that whipped cream on her nose?!
XO,
Janie
Penny so sorry we weren’t able to get together!! I live right down the street from LaFarm Bakery and it is one of my favorite spots!! Next time 🙂
Sounds like a wonderful birthday! Beautiful picture of you and Rachel!!!
Happy Birthday Penny! It sounds like it was a wonderful one!
Hugs,
Penny
What a lovely birthday photo. Guess Don and I need to schedule another Road trip…..lol…
Happy Birthday, Penny!!! May there be many more to enjoy!
Cheers! Leslie
Glad you had a wonderful birthday, surrounded by those you love. The quiche looks so good!
The bakery and the quiche look wonderful. Glad you had a good birthday.
Happy Birthday, Penny!
And good heavens, your granddaughter looks just like you!
Yummy quiche!
That looks like a wonderful place to have lunch and it sounds like you had a Happy Birthday!
I’ve often thought of making granola, but never actually tried….this one looks good.
Happy Birthday! Well, now as soon as I get the okay to drive I’m planning a trip to La Farm
xoxo Pattie
A wonderful way to celebrate your birthday.Your Granddaughter…. What a sweetie pie. That breakfast look yummy….Linda
How could you know?! My husband has been searching high and low for the “perfect” granola,but is always disappointed with the results of his labors. I think this recipe is perfect. You are now his new best friend.
And I loved the picture of you and your mini-you. How nice for Rachel that her two grandmothers get along so well. Welcome home.
Hey,
I guess you can tell by my greeting I am from the South. I live in NC too!!! This is my first visit here today and love your beautiful blog. Your little granddaughter is a little mini-you. She is beautiful too.
Please stop by Grace to enter my give a way too.
Blessings,
Bren
Hi Penny, I am looking forward to meeting you at Penny’s blogger party on Saturday. Happy belated birthday. I’m glad you had a wonderful lunch with your darling loved ones. Quiche is one of my favorite things to make and eat. Mmmmm, good bread is the best of treats.
see you soon.
Hugs, Jeanne
Happy belated Birthday! I was at La Farm Bakery last weekend and took my mom. I love it there. We have the croque monsieur which was to die for.
Happy belated birthday. The bakery looks like a wonderful place. Love the look of that quiche.
See you soon!
Hugs, Rhondi
my absolute favorite granola on the planet! did you get this from the bakery or is this an approximation? either way, can’t wait to make a batch!