Granola

I typically end up making my own version of the items I spend the most money on in the store every week. But somehow I never thought to make my own granola until I saw it posted by one of my fellow bloggers at A Chica Bakes. I have tried many versions of granola but like the Bear Naked Banana Nut the best. I am addicted to that stuff! It is one of those items that my grocery store does not have in abundance. So if I go in and buy two bags and eat them in two days, there won't be any more when I go back!

Granola is eaten as a snack or breakfast food and generally consists of rolled oats, cinnamon, honey, oil, nuts and dried fruit. You can also use granola as a topping on yogurt and some desserts. For a variety, add chia seeds, goji berries, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, coconut...you decide.

I love granola...and can afford to snack on it often, as I would love to gain a few pounds (bet you don't hear that every day)! But if you do not have the same goal, eat at your own risk!

Granola

2 c old fashioned rolled oats
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp salt
3 tbsp vegetable oil
1/4 c honey
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/3 c slivered almonds
1/3 c chopped walnuts
1/3 c golden raisins, cranberries, dates or figs
1/3 c banana chips (Recipe below), dried apricots, mango or cherries

Note: For healthier version use 3/4 c unsweetened applesauce and 1/3 c agave nectar.

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Toss the oats with cinnamon and salt. In a medium bowl, stir together the oil, honey, and vanilla. Whisk until completely combined. Pour liquid mixture over the oats mixture and combine. Pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Spread it out evenly and bake for 30 minutes. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to stir granola every 10 minutes, until done, for even cooking. Remove from oven.

Sprinkle the nuts and fruit over granola. Mix well with hands. Allow granola to cool. Mixture will begin to crisp as it cools. Transfer to an airtight container. Granola will keep for one week.

Banana Chips

2 ripe bananas
2 tbsp lime juice

Preheat oven to 200 degrees.

Peel bananas and cut into thin slices. Coat with lime juice. Spread bananas (without touching) on cookie sheet, lined with parchment paper.

Bake for 2 hours. Rotate cookie sheet every 30 minutes for even baking. Cool. Chips will crisp after fully cooled.

All photographs are actual pictures of the recipe listed, prepared by Sweet Treats 'n Good Eats, and cannot be used without the owner’s consent.