Peanut Butter Banana Granola

Ingredients:

• 3 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup raw walnuts, chopped
• 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 large ripe banana, pureed or mashed
• 1/3 cup maple syrup (or up to 1/2 cup for a sweeter granola)
• 1/4 cup peanut butter, melted
• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
• 3/4 cup unsweetened banana chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine oats, walnuts, coconut, salt, and cinnamon.
3. Prepare Wet Ingredients: Puree banana and melt peanut butter and coconut oil.
4. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add banana puree, melted peanut butter, coconut oil, and maple syrup to the dry ingredients. Stir until well combined.
5. Bake: Spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring once halfway through, or until golden brown and dry.
6. Cool and Add Topping: Let cool completely on the baking sheet. Sprinkle with banana chips.
7. Store: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Tips and Substitutions:

• Nuts and Seeds: You can substitute walnuts with other nuts like almonds, pecans, or pumpkin seeds.
• Sweetener: Adjust the amount of maple syrup to your desired sweetness level. You can also use honey or agave nectar.
• Oil: Use a combination of olive oil and coconut oil for a different flavor.
• Dried Fruit: Add dried fruit like cranberries, raisins, or apricots to the granola.
• Flavorings: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom.
• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free chocolate chips or vegan yogurt chips.

Enjoy your homemade granola!