Banana Bread Granola
A recipe that inspires the value of slowing down.
I spent three magical months in Italy. I transformed. Frankly, I had never felt better. There’s something to intentional slow living. To reconnect to quality, simplicity, and intimacy.
Americans are conditioned and pressured to strive for more. More money, more status, more power, more capital, etc. It’s exhausting and truly Sisyphean.
The answer to this, I think, is to embrace idleness. The idea to embrace doing nothing for nothing’s sake. To be present, to say good morning, to take a few minutes to sit and consider the beauty of life.
Italy has taught me the importance of slowing down, to soak in the pleasure of being in the moment. To notice the aroma of my morning cappuccino. To give a few hours of deep focus for whatever tasks are at hand. To take frequent dips in the sea to escape summer’s tight grip. Or even a riposo at a moment's notice under the olive trees.
Now having returned to the States, I commit to the practice of slowing down and seeking pleasure in the everyday “mundaneness”. & I invite you to all practice this with me.
Stop and revel in the in the joy of this banana bread granola. The way it fills your house with a warm and comforting smell. The crunch and sweetness it adds to your morning yogurt. The smile that spreads over your loved one’s face when you give them a taste.
I want to carry the art of European slow living with me. If I can get you to slow down too, even for just a moment while making this granola, then yes, I have succeeded.
RECIPE
yields 4-6 servings
This granola tastes like a giant warm hug, delivering just the right amount of cozy and comfort.
TO PREPARE:
In a large bowl mix together the dry ingredients:
3 cups gluten-free oats
1/2 cup pecans
1/2 cup walnuts
1/2 cup coconut flakes
3 Tbsp flaxseeds, chia seeds, hemp seeds, or a blend of all three
1 Tbsp cinnamon
1 tsp salt
In a separate bowl mix together the wet ingredients:
1/3 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup melted coconut oil
1 large banana mashed
1 tsp vanilla
Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and mix well until all the oats are well coated. Taste to adjust seasoning and flavor to your liking, maybe some more banana, cinnamon, or salt. Spread the mixture evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 325 for 20-25min - until your house smells amazing and the granola is nice and toasty. Let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet. Stir in chocolate chips if you’re feeling the need for extra sweet. Most importantly, enjoy.
