Telluride Trail Bars

Notes:
-Add any additional dried fruit, nuts, chocolate chips or peanut butter chips to the mixture before baking.
-The banana adds a subtle sweetness to these bars. If you wanted to go a bit sweeter, add a pinch of Stevia powder before baking. I have not tried these with honey or maple syrup but I bet they would be wonderful. You can start with a few tablespoons and then sweeten to taste from there.
-You can substitute any nuts and nut butter in these bars.
-It is not essential to toast the peanuts and oats but I love the flavor it adds to do so.

Method:
If you choose to toast the nuts and oats… Preheat the oven to 350˚F with the rack in the middle. Lay peanuts and oats in a 9 x 13″ baking dish in a single layer. Bake for about 10 minutes until lightly toasted and golden brown. Set aside and let cool a bit.

Keep the oven set to 350˚F. Line the 9 x 13″ baking dish with parchment paper. Heat up peanut butter and mashed bananas in microwave or over the stove – just for a few seconds – and then stir well to combine. Let cool a few minutes.

In a medium bowl combine the oats, peanuts and banana mixture. Fold in the pretzels. Taste granola and add any sweetener if desired. Spread the mixture evenly into the pan and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Your granola bars are done when the top is golden brown and the edges are a bit crispy. Let them cool so they are easy to handle and cut with a serrated knife or pizza cutter.