Being neighborly: Banana walnut granola

I'll admit I'm not the most outgoing neighbor.  Often, when I see my neighbors in their yards, I wonder how I'll get to my car without stopping to have a conversation.  I know that's a bad habit, so this week when my new neighbors moved in across the street, I bribed myself into making introductions by baking them this home-made banana walnut granola.  It was fun for me and gave me a reason to knock on their door, and BONUS: It was so easy, I realize I've been overpaying for the "convenience" of pre-made granola for years now.  I actually think I'll start making this weekly.

To start, ingredient gathering!  This recipe, straight from Tracy Shutterbean, uses bananas, walnuts, and cashews.  

First mix all the dry ingredients.

Then mix the wet ones.  Over-ripe bananas, which I did not use, work better here.

Stir it all together until all the oats are coated.

Bake on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.

Toasty!

Let it cool, then fill a tall mason jar with the stuff...

…add a nice note and voila!  Easy and personal gift for the neighbors.  Turns out they're super nice and young, and granola-loving or not, now I won't have to avoid them as I'm coming in and out of my apartment.  I even scored a dinner invite, woot woot!

Banana Walnut Granola

Servings: 10

Ingredients:

5 cups rolled oats
1 cup walnuts, chopped
1/2 cup whole cashews
1 tsp cinnamon (more if you like the taste)
1/8 cup of brown sugar
2 over-ripe bananas
1/3 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 tsp salt

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350.
2. Mix dry ingredients.
3. Smash banana into small chunks and mix with wet ingredients.
4. Add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until all dry ingredients are coated.
5. Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet.  Bake for 30 minutes, stirring the mixture every 10 minutes so all sides cook evenly.
6. Remove from heat, let cool and transfer to an air-tight container for storage.
7. Enjoy!