I worked for years to perfect my granola recipe. It has just the flavors I like in granola (almonds, honey, oats, dried blueberries). People have told me that it’s “like crack”, because it’s so addictive, and I always make up a batch before we go on vacation because our dog sitter loves it. So I’m not sure why I decided to try another granola – I suppose just for variety, I guess. And I liked the sound of this one. It doesn’t have any dairy in it and there’s very little sugar, but it’s got maple syrup and a healthy amount of salt to make an addictive salty-sweet treat.

I should mention that if you don’t like things salty, cut the salt in half the first time you make it. Larry and I are both salt fiends, but even he thought it was too salty. I didn’t, of course. I love the flavors here – dried tart cherries and pistachios go really well together. I’m tempted to start playing with the recipe now that I’ve made it as-is. Chunks of apricots would also be really nice, and I think hemp seed sounds great too.

There’s something else special about this granola – I don’t know why I chose this in particular, but I had in mind to send Wendi from Bon Appetit Hon a little treat at some point (don’t forget to take a look at her site, and her Etsy shop with beautifully photographed note cards). Last year Wendi put together some packages and sent them out to a bunch of people as a Love Bomb, and I was one of the lucky recipient of some damn tasty cookies. But it wasn’t just the cookies – it was such a kind, thoughtful gesture (see more about Love Bombing from LoveFeast Table). I tucked away her address and decided I’d surprise her at some point in the next few months with a return Love Bomb. And the timing and the granola seemed right. It was so much fun and really gratifying. I highly recommend it, and plan on doing it again.

• Eleven Madison Park Granola (Serious Eats)