Dark Chocolate Granola

I got totally hooked on making my own granola during the fall when I made the MOST AMAZING chewy cinnamon raisin granola bars and then a short time later I made TRULY ADDICTING pumpkin seed granola. Where has homemade granola been all my life?!

When I was brainstorming what I wanted to make for a Valentine’s Day post, I felt like trying for something on the healthy side. Or at least healthier than, say the Peanut Butter Cup and Oreo Layered Dessert that has been doing so well since the beginning of the month (you think people are trying to eat healthy for the New Year? According to my blog stats, they’re NOT). Anyway, back to the recipe brainstorming. I wanted to make something that was a little healthier AND that had dark chocolate, and I thought I’d try making my basic granola recipe with cocoa and dark chocolate chips to see how it turned out.

Let’s just say that I was totally blown away. First of all. Prepare for your house to smell like HEAVEN. And then get your taste buds ready. Wow. This is not too sweet, but it still feels totally indulgent. It certainly satisfies my chocolate cravings, but I’m happy because I’m actually getting some nutrients in with my chocolate fix (you know, as opposed to just popping a handful of dark chocolate chips straight in my mouth…).

Bottom line: whether you make this for a special Valentine or for a just-for-you treat anytime, you need to make this.

You can thank me later.

Dark Chocolate Granola with Cranberries

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Dark Chocolate Granola

Ingredients

• 3 cups old fashioned oats
• 1 cup pecans, chopped
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 heaping tablespoons flaxseed meal
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup cocoa powder
• 1/3 cup honey
• 3 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350° degrees.
2. Mix oats, chopped pecans, brown sugar, cinnamon, cocoa powder, and salt in a medium bowl; stir to combine.
3. In a small microwaveable bowl, heat honey and coconut oil on medium heat for 40-60 seconds. Stir in vanilla extract.
4. Pour the hot honey mixture over the oat and nuts mixture, and stir so that the dry ingredients are evenly coated with the wet ingredients.
5. Spread the granola mixture evenly onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or a Silpat baking mat.
6. Bake the oats at 350° for about 5 minutes; stir. Bake for another 5-7 minutes.
7. After granola has completely cooled, break it into pieces and stir in chocolate chips and cranberries. Store in an airtight container.

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Happy Valentine’s Day!

For more Valentine’s Day ideas, visit a few of my favorite bloggers:

• How to Make Rose Water by Confessions of an Overworked Mom
• A Valentine’s Day Breakfast by The Guavalicious Life
• Salted Caramels by How Was Your Day?
• Valentine’s Day Krispies Treats by This Mama Loves
• Homemade Strawberry Syrup for Flavorful Delights by Day by Day in Our World
• Pom Pom Valentine’s Day Craft for Kids by Our Family World
• French Vanilla Raspberry Italian Cream Soda by Pretty Opinionated
• Epsom Salts DIY Valentine’s Candles by A Day in Motherhood
• Chocolate Honey Lip Scrub by The Socialite’s Closet
• Hugs and Kisses Valentine’s Cupcakes by Simply Southern Mom
• Printable Valentine’s Day Scavenger Hunt by Mom on the Side
• Box of Chocolates Cake by Kids Fun Reviewed
• Cranberry Hootycreek – Valentine’s Day Cookies by MommaDJane
• Valentine’s Day “Love Lives Here” Decorative House Craft by Sincerely Mindy
• Hand Sewn Valentine Cards by Beyond Mommying
• No Bake Choco-Date Cookies for Valentine’s Day by Mommy Snippets
• DIY Heart Stamp for Kids by Family Focus Blog
• DIY Peppermint Chocolate Bark Favors by A Bride on a Budget
• Day Out With Daddy Jar by Sweet Lil You
• No Sew Fringed Scarf for Him – or Her! by Style on Main
• Strawberry Shortcake in a Jar by 2Boys+1Girl=OneCrazyMom
• Valentine’s Day Oreo Hearts by Gator Mommy Reviews

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About Lolli

Lolli has written 3741 post in this blog.

I became a mom in 1996, and in 2005 I had my fifth. Yes, 5 kids. In 2007, this blog was born (my 6th baby that will never grow up) and I've been sharing recipes, photography tricks, parenting tips, and everything in between. (Formerly Better in Bulk)

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