Homemade granola is one of those recipes that you can't really mess up unless you burn it in the oven because you're distracted by blogging. And because there's so many "add ins" you can incorporate into a basic recipe, it tastes different every time.
My oldest daughter began experimenting and came up with a version I would never have tried on my own (she's much braver than I am when it comes to testing her culinary wings). She used my basic Simple Homemade Granola recipe and then added banana to the liquid ingredients. You may wish to read my original version to get an overview, then come back here to find out how to change it up.
Banana Nut Granola
6 cups rolled oats (not quick cook variety)
1 1/2 - 2 cups chopped walnuts (or any nut you like!)
1 - 2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil (or you can use coconut oil)
1/2 - 3/4 cup raw honey (adjust to your own taste preferences)
1-2 bananas, slightly soft
*Note: the more honey you add the stickier the cereal will be and the more 'clumps' you'll have.
Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl, mixing well. Next combine the olive or coconut oil and honey in a small pot and heat gently until bubbles begin to form on sides. Mash bananas and add to the warm liquid mixture and then pour over the dry ingredients. Keep mixing until well incorporated. There may be small chunks of banana and granola, which is fine, however, try to break up any large portions.
Spread evenly on two or three jelly roll pans and bake at 300 degrees for approximately 40 minutes. Be sure to stir granola every 10 minutes so that it browns evenly. When it is toasted to your liking, remove and cool. Since this has banana in it, I recommend storing it in glass jars in the refrigerator.
Try not to consume the entire batch in one sitting!
THIS sounds really good! I make granola on occasion, but it is always the same old, same old. On occasion I switch out some of the dried fruits. Bananas would add a whole other flavor dimension!
ReplyDeleteSounds wonderful .I love granola. I never would have thought to add banana. Will try for sure.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
Granny Trace
www.grannytracescrapsandsquares.com
We always seem to have a banana that goes a little soft before it's eaten... this looks like a delicious way to use it!
ReplyDeleteLaw, I couldn't make it. I would eat it all. ALL. I never heard of putting bananas in granola - I'm quite intrigued....
ReplyDeleteI love homemade granola. I can't use nuts because my son has a tree nut allergy so I add sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds for extra crunch. I have also added crushed flax seed and oat or wheat bran. It can be different everytime.
ReplyDeleteI have a question about kefir. My friend gave me some grains and I made two batches. It smells like yeast and I don't think I can drink it plain. Do you have recipes for it? What all can I use kefir to make? It's super easy to make and uses up extra goat milk but I'm not sure how to use it up.
Yum! This sounds great. I just started making my own homemade granola so I can't wait to try this one out! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteYum~sounds lovely. Homemade granola is so good. I also found that the more honey the more clumpy (we LOVE clumpy) it will be :)
ReplyDeleteThanks!
This sounds delicious! I do something similar, but I add dried banana chips at the end instead of the mashed bananas at the beginning. I think I'll just have to try this when I make granola this week. Thanks for the idea!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds delish!! I have cut out all boxed cereal and have been running out of things to make for breakfast. Funny how kids can eat the same cereal day after day but complain if they have to eat oatmeal a few times a week. ;)
ReplyDeleteI was wondering, would you serve this with milk like cereal or plain? I have never made homemade granola but I think I am going to give it a try. Thanks!
Looks delicious! I have never made granols but I think I will have to try it now!
ReplyDeleteThat's look yummy. Minus the nuts for me though.
ReplyDeleteMiranda, I just serve this with milk, but I've used my basic recipe on yogurt,in cookies, and anywhere else I can think of!
ReplyDeleteDomestic Goddess, Kefir is new for us, too, and we're not yet use to the flavor. I've used Kefir in smoothies because all the other flavors cover the kefir taste, but I'm hoping to try an ice cream recipe if the weather ever gets warm around here! (Still only 65 on a WARM day!). GNOWFGLINS has some great recipes; check out Wardeh's site.
We love homemade granola (I make it with gluten-free oats). The banana addition sounds very good and we have lots! of bananas.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds delicious! I've been meaning to try my hand at homemade granola and I just so happen to love anything banana flavored.
ReplyDeleteAmy, Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI made smoothies with strawberry and agave necter and another with banana peanutbutter and honey. The kids loved it. It did have a little yeast flavor but I could drink it.
My daughter takes granola in a baggie to eat on the bus. The boys used to tke it when they went hiking with scouts.
I love your new layout. :-)
ReplyDeletePrinting this to try very soon!
Good stuff, Amy... and I love the new look!
ReplyDeleteMy ferrets are the only ones in my household who eat granola. They only get the cheap Walmart chocolate chip granola at that. Maybe I'll whip them up a batch of this and see if they like it. I might give it a go myself.
ReplyDeleteI love homemade granola. It is great to take to work and munch on. I can't wait to make this over the weekend. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteLove this recipe! And I see that if I use gluten-free oats, it will work for my Lil' guy! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to try this! My homemade granola never lasts long around these parts! And can I just say that I adore how you store your granola!?
ReplyDelete