Make Your Own Granola

Here's another easy gift idea:  jars of your own homemade granola!  I've been making mine own for the last 6 months or so and there are so many flavor combinations.  I got the inspiration for this flavor from another website but added my own spin to it.  Let's get started!

You will need:
-2 really ripe bananas
-5 cups of oats
-peanut butter (either kind, crunchy or smooth)
-cinnamon
-nutmeg
-vanilla
-honey
-salt
-other mix-ins such as chocolate chips, dried fruit, or slivered almonds

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees.  Start by mixing the dry stuff. 

You'll want to add about 2 teaspoons of cinnamon and half a teaspoon each of nutmeg and salt.  Add the cinnamon/nutmeg/salt combo to your oats and your other chosen mix-ins (I usually do almonds but I was out of them that do so chocolate chips it was!).

Next, mash the bananas and add a tablespoon of vanilla, half a cup of peanut butter, and a quarter cup of honey. 

Combine the wet and dry ingredients:

 Stir to mix them and spread the mixture over a large cookie sheet (sprayed or oiled so it won't stick).

Bake for 15 minutes and stir. 

Bake for 15 more minutes and stir again.

 

I found that it took 15 more minutes (45 total).  You'll want the top and edges to start to brown but don't let it get too dark.  I like to give it one more stir before leaving it to cool.  You can leave it in large chunks or crush it up into small pieces.  Put it into a treat bag or a mason jar and you've got a (fairly) healthy, homemade treat to give this season (or keep for yourself--it's great in some Greek yogurt)!

 

Adi