Banana Nana fo Fana

They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. While some people may not think this is true, I am a strong believer in breakfast. It is the meal that gets your day started, so you may as well make it tasty, filling, and long lasting. What does the trick best for me is a good hearty bowl of granola. I have made several granola recipes in the past, but none that have really suck with me. Most of the ones I have ever found have a lot of sugary things in them, whether it's for binding it all together, or just purely for flavor. I have been on a mission for a good tasting granola that isn't loaded with added sugar, but doesn't taste like cardboard. I started trying out a couple of different things -- applesauce, pumpkin puree, greek yogurt, etc. The granola turned out good, but it still wasn't quite hitting the spot. I decided to give my brain a rest, thinking that in time a good idea will reveal itself....... and I was right!

Early last week my dad went grocery shopping and bought a nice little bunch of bananas. Unfortunately, he then proceeded to go out of town the next morning for the rest of the week, leaving me with too many bananas for me to eat before they got too ripe for my liking. Normally what I do when I have a banana at its peak ripeness, I put it in the fridge to stop it from getting any riper.

As I was going to put the couple bananas in to the fridge, I began to bounce some ideas around in my head. I then started to think of ways that I could incorporate these bananas in to a granola. I figured that there was no better way to find out than to just start playing around with it. I took out my MagicBullet, popped in a banana, added a little applesauce and water for some liquid, some cinnamon for flavor, and pureed it until smooth. I then took my oats, and nut mix (almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds) and poured in the banana puree. Once those were all fully mixed together, I evenly distributed it on a baking sheet. It was then time to put my creation in to the oven to bake to its goldeny goodness. But not with out the last step -- the slightest touch of honey drizzled on top. Although I did say that I was looking to eliminate added sugars, I find that a kiss of honey over the top of the granola allows it to crisp and brown to perfection while baking. (I like to use local honey because (1. it is a natural form of sugar and (2. I have read that by having a little bit of local honey each day, it allows your immune system to build up to local allergens, helping with allergies and sinus problems)

After baking the granola, it was time for the best part .... taste testing! I layered together some greek yogurt with the granola and mashed up strawberries/bananas. Although the granola is already made with banana, I love banana flavor so much, I thought that mixing in a little fresh banana with it out be a nice touch. And boy was it! The flavors married together to a sweet (but not too sweet) perfection. I don't like my granola too terribly sweet, so the banana gave it that nice balance of sweetness and richness that I have been searching for. So if you are a granola nut like I am, and want to attempt this concoction for yourself, it is supppperrr easy!

Here is what you'll need:

• 3 cups oats
• 3/4 cup nuts/nut mix of your choice
• 1 medium ripe banana
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 Tbsp cinnamon
• 1 Tbsp water
• honey for drizzling
• medium/large baking sheet for baking

Start by pureeing the banana, applesauce, water, and cinnamon until smooth in a food processor/blender. In a separate bowl combine the oats and nuts. Then add the banana mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until fully incorporated together. 

Take the "wet" granola and spread it out evenly over the baking sheet. Get a spoonful (as big or little as you'd like) of honey and drizzle over the top of the granola. Then place the baking sheet in to an oven preheated to 375 degrees. Bake for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked to your liking. Once it is cooked, take it out, let it cool, and ENJOY!! :)