I use the basic recipe found on David Lebovitz's blog, which he adapted from Nigella Lawson. the original is at the link and a very good basic recipe. My banana experiment is below and I think my best tasting so far. this recipe is very forgiving and can be tweeked many ways and still turns out good. I cook for a diabetic now and so I use sugar substitutes for some of the sweetening. use regular good stuff if you can.
Banana Nut Granola, lo fat/lo sugar
Makes about 2 pounds Adapted from Feast, by Nigella Lawson
4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
2 cups 5 grain cereal(Bob's Red Mill)
2 cups pecans, coarsely chopped
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar(I omit but add if you like it sweeter)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 cup(about 2 very ripe med)bananas
1/4 cup maple syrup(I used Sugar Free Vanilla Syrup(Torani)or sugar free maple syrup)
2T honey
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/4 cup apple juice or water
Preheat the oven to 350F.
1. In a very large bowl, mix together the oats, cereal and nuts.
2. In a blender, add the bananas, brown sugar(if using), syrups and honey, water or juice and oil and blend till smooth.
3. Mix the wet fruit mixture into the dry ingredients until thoroughly dispersed, then divide and spread the mixture evenly on two rimmed baking sheets(I used one large roaster and mixed everythng in it, spraying with Pam first).
4. Bake the granola for about 20 minutes and then stir, adding the coconut at this time. Bake another 20 minutes and stir again, then bake for about 15 more minutes until the granola is deep golden brown.
5. Remove from oven, then cool completely. add dried fruits if desired. I like to keep this one just crunchy without added fruit.
Store the granola in a large, airtight container. It will keep for up to one month.
http://www.davidlebovitz.com/2009/10/granola-recipe/
Banana Nut Granola, lo fat/lo sugar
Makes about 2 pounds Adapted from Feast, by Nigella Lawson
4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
2 cups 5 grain cereal(Bob's Red Mill)
2 cups pecans, coarsely chopped
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar(I omit but add if you like it sweeter)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 cup(about 2 very ripe med)bananas
1/4 cup maple syrup(I used Sugar Free Vanilla Syrup(Torani)or sugar free maple syrup)
2T honey
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/4 cup apple juice or water
Preheat the oven to 350F.
1. In a very large bowl, mix together the oats, cereal and nuts.
2. In a blender, add the bananas, brown sugar(if using), syrups and honey, water or juice and oil and blend till smooth.
3. Mix the wet fruit mixture into the dry ingredients until thoroughly dispersed, then divide and spread the mixture evenly on two rimmed baking sheets(I used one large roaster and mixed everythng in it, spraying with Pam first).
4. Bake the granola for about 20 minutes and then stir, adding the coconut at this time. Bake another 20 minutes and stir again, then bake for about 15 more minutes until the granola is deep golden brown.
5. Remove from oven, then cool completely. add dried fruits if desired. I like to keep this one just crunchy without added fruit.
Store the granola in a large, airtight container. It will keep for up to one month.
http://www.davidlebovitz.com/2009/10/granola-recipe/