Monday, January 14, 2013

Homemade Healthy Chocolate Granola


Prep time: 10min       Total time: 25min        yields: 5 cups

Ingredients:                 
1 c. melted coconut oil (Olive oil is cheaper, but coconut oil has lots of health benefits!)
1 c. honey
½ c. unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tbs. vanilla extract
½ tsp. salt
5 c. old fashion rolled oats (Not quick cooking)
Nut, coconut flakes, seeds, and dried fruits are all optional 

Line and grease a large cookie sheet. Preheat oven to 375 F. 
In a large bowl whisk together melted coconut oil, honey, cocoa, vanilla, and salt. Stir in oats and any addition things like nuts, dried fruit, etc…  Spread mixture on lined and greased cookie sheet and bake for 10-15 min.

 Notes:  Keep a close eye on the granola while it’s baking, it’s no good if it’s burnt; you want the granola to still be just a little soft because when it cools it will harden some. I recommend storing leftover granola in an airtight container. The more times you make this the more you will find what works best for you: you may like less or no cocoa powder, no or more salt, or like it baked more or a little less….. This is a really simple recipe that you can play with! This recipe can be cut back if you don’t need 5 cups of granola, for my family 5 cups will last all of two days. 

~Maddy~