Granola: Baby Boomer Soul Food
Let them talk about our generation’s over-indulgence. At BoomerCafé, we’d rather think about our inventiveness. In communication, in convenience, and in … food? BoomerCafé co-founder David Henderson is grateful for the likes of Bill Gates and Steve Jobs but these days, his heart really goes out to a younger woman named Michele. Why? Because she has come up with the best: Baby Boomer Soul Food:
I don’t know whether it is an indication of greater awareness or personal preference or maturing in my likes and dislikes … but I have been paying a lot more attention over the last decade or so to the quality of food I eat.
I love fish so why eat farm raised when wild caught fish is available even though it might cost a little more? Why drink mundane coffee when really outstanding coffee, such as Lavazza, costs no more, as I have previously written on BoomerCafé? Why eat meats, fruits and vegetables that are loaded of chemicals and growth hormones when organic and much healthier food is readily available?
And … so it is with granola, something I consider to be a soul food of the baby boomer generation.
I remember finding granola back in the ‘70s that was downright … yummy. It was made from fresh, healthy and organic ingredients. But, then, granola seemed to disappear to a large extent as a breakfast food as America turned to more processed foods. Much of the granola available on grocery shelves today is made from highly processed ingredients and sweetened with corn syrup, a toxic super-sweetener that’s banned in most countries. Consequently, the food value has been lost.
But, all that has changed for me. 
I rediscovered organic granola, made not by a baby boomer but by a younger woman named Michele Thornett (right), who simply desired to make better quality food than her baby boomer parents.
Michele founded a company in Silver Spring, Maryland, called, Michele’s Granola – made by hand with all-natural ingredients. Business is booming … among boomers, like me. All of a sudden, I have rediscovered a healthy food for breakfast.
“I actually think my interest in cooking and baking began because my (baby boomer) parents didn’t like to spend a lot of time in the kitchen,” Michele tells me. “I remember a lot of pre-packaged and frozen foods in my childhood. I had an interest in health foods and cooking and baking from scratch, so I liked to step in and make family dinners, birthday cakes, etc.
“But, I fell in love with granola while spending a summer on Martha’s Vineyard. A bakery there made wonderful granola bars. I ate one almost every day and I couldn’t find anything nearly as fresh or delicious when I moved back to the Washington, DC, area. Every product seemed to skimp on the good, crunchy stuff like seeds and nuts. So I began experimenting with my own recipes, giving granola to friends as gifts, and when I started working at the farmers market, a business was born.”
I’m hooked on Michele’s granola. It’s the best I’ve ever found, anywhere. And, you can now order it online.
Here’s a really neat part — A portion of the proceeds from Michele’s Granola is donated to help low-income women in developing countries start food businesses of their own. Visit KIVA.org to learn more!
Filed Under: Baby Boomers • David Henderson
I’m happy that David has finally found his soul…in granola. That’s all nice and good for him…but deep down, don’t you think he occasionally craves a cheeseburger!
Michele–I am so proud of you! And thanks to David for telling the world what we’ve known all along…how fantastic Michele’s Granola really is.
I bought a bag of the chocolate, macadamia, and bing cherry granola and I could easily become addicted to it if I didn’t control myself. It’s so fresh and deeelicious. I’ve had a lot of granola, but this is the best ever, period. I’m so pleased it’s available in my area. It also has coconut and sunflower seeds which would have made me buy two at the time if they had been highlighted. Mr. Cergol can keep his cheeseburgers. It’s time for me to buy more granola.
I love “real food” like this and knowing it that part of the profits are going to help people in need, makes it even more delicious!!
Where did the word granola originate? Does anyone remember the commercial that had the flannel shirted guy eating granola, very early in the morning, outside, with a very friendly family of squirrels keeping him company? I have tried and tried but, no matter,how early or how much granola I have, that has never happened to me. Yes…I do wear a flannel shirt………….
I love the fact that you are supporting Michele’s granola company, and I greatly appreciate your comments on BoomerCafe about her products. Hey, reminds me … I need to order more granola! Seriously!
By the way, I don’t remember the flannel shirted guy eating granola but back then, many of us wore those shirts (usually from L.L. Bean) and ate granola. David
I just tried a sample of this granola that I got at the Baltimore HonFest. This stuff is better than delicious, it’s addicting! It’s all natural, but satisfies my sweet cravings without having me feel guilty for eating junk. What kind of granola can inspire you to write a note to the maker? This kind!!
Michelle, you said it perfectly – “It’s addicting.” Guess you know why I wrote about Michele’s granola on BoomerCafé. It’s the best, and it’s good for you! Thanks you your Comment and tell everyone!
David
I don’t get it! Why don’t these people just make it themselves. There is no mystery here. Good ingredients, simple preparation and you have wonderful granola. That’s what the 60’s taught us. Be competent, you can do it yourself!
Kristina,
Easy answer – you and I and all of us can find all the ingredients to make a computer or even a car. But we leave it to people who have a special touch, style, skills or, in this case, a special recipe. Perhaps you can make good granola. But Michelle’s granola is fantastic. You might want to consider giving it a try.
David
The best granola I’ve ever had. I was introduced to the idea of granola + yogurt for breakfast in Europe a few years ago and since then I’ve been looking for fresh granola. I came across your product accidentally, thank you for making the best granola I’ve ever had.
I always eat breakfast, so I’m always on the lookout for something new and interesting. So once we started carrying Michele’s granola at work and I tried the samples, I was in breakfast heaven. Mixed with a combination of goats milk yogurt, goat’s milk and flax oil and you’ve got the perfect delicious health food. By the way, I never ate granola prior to trying Michele’s and at this point, I still don’t see the need to!!!
I always eat breakfast, so I’m always on the lookout for something new and interesting. So once we started carrying Michele’s granola at work and I tried the samples, I was in breakfast heaven. Mixed with a combination of goats milk yogurt, goat’s milk and flax oil and you’ve got the perfect delicious health food. By the way, I never ate any other granola prior to trying Michele’s and at this point, I still don’t see the need to!!!
This is granola like I would make for myself, only without the time and trouble! I have been on a major weight-loss plan since October, 2007 and have lost 27 pounds. I did this with a combination of fresh veggies and fruit, lots of walking, swimming and weight-lifting and almost NO sugar in my diet. Michele’s Granola is the only treat I allow myself. With FAGE no-fat yogurt underneath the fresh, delicious granola, it’s the daily treat I look forward to every afternoon. Thank you, Michele, for a healthy food that is good for me and good for my weight-loss plan.
Jeri Greenberg
Washington, DC
I just picked up a bag of this today while getting my produce from my CSA. It is delicious! I had been buying a supermarket organic brand that was pretty good. I really like Michelle’s because it tastes light (if that’s possible with granola!). Look forwards to trying the other flavors, and love that she’s local.
I’m so glad to hear you like the Cherry Chocolate Macadamia granola, Ed. It’s my favorite too! Thanks for writing!
Super-Duper site! I am loving it!! Will come back again – taking you feeds also, Thanks.
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