I must only get inspired to make granola when I am craving dessert. Perhaps it's my excuse to get all the flavor with something a little healthier thrown in. After all, I made pumpkin granola (that tastes like pumpkin pie), apple pie granola, mounds granola, and now...chunky monkey granola. I was inspired by the Ben & Jerry's ice cream flavor, and the presence of one slightly overripe banana in my house. This granola definitely has a tropical vibe with banana, coconut, vanilla and chocolate.

It's been such a huge hit in my house that I'll have to hide it from the kids if I want it for myself!!

Here's what you need:

6 cups oats

1 cup coconut flakes

1 cup whole wheat flour

1/2 cup dry milk

1/2 cup nuts of your choice--I used pecans (not shown)

1 banana

2/3 cup vegetable oil

2/3 cup corn syrup

1 tsp vanilla (not shown)

1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350. Mix the oats, coconut, flour, dry milk, and nuts. 

In a separate bowl, mash up the banana. Add the oil, corn syrup, and vanilla and mix well. 

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, and mix until moistened.

Bake in a 9x13 pan for 45-50 minutes, stirring every 15-20 minutes, until golden brown. Allow to cool for about 1 hour and add the chocolate chips.

Serve with milk or yogurt.