Banana Nutella Granola - Amber

3 3/4 C old fashioned rolled oats
1/2 C ground flax*
1 C sliced almonds
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 C mashed banana
1/4 C Nutella
1/4 C maple syrup or honey.
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt
1 C banana chips
1/2 C semi-sweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat. Set aside. In a large bowl mix together oats, flax, almonds and cinnamon. Set aside.
In a small saucepan, over medium heat, melt the mashed banana, Nutella, maple syrup (or honey), vanilla extract and salt. Allow to bubble for fro about 1 minute. Remove from heat and pour over the dry ingredients. Stir it all together until all the oats are moistened.

Spread the mixture on the baking sheet in a thin layer. Bake for 15 minutes, remove from the over and stir. Bake for another 15 - 20 minutes until lightly browned. Top the granola with chocolate chips and banana chips. Gently stir. The chocolate will melt creating larger chunks or granola. Allow to cool completely; it will harden and crunch up as it cools. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks.

* Ground flax is optional. If you don't use it add, 1/4 C more oats.