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!
