CHOCOLATE VALENTINE GRANOLA by NancyC              

Makes about 10 cups                                            

• 6 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup sweetened or unsweetened coconut flakes
• 1/3 cup chia seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup coarsely chopped pecans or walnuts
• 2/3 cup non-GMO canola oil or light olive oil
• 2/3 cup honey (microwave or heat honey for about 20 seconds for an easy mixing consistency)
• 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup dried cranberries or cherries
• 1 1/2 cups mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 5 to 6 Tablespoons of heart sprinkles (or a small 2-oz. jar)

Preheat oven to 325˚F. Line a large 13×18″ baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.

In large bowl, toss the oats, coconut flakes, chia seeds, salt, and chopped nuts until everything is evenly mixed.

In a medium-size bowl, blend the oil, honey, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until well-blended, then stir in the cocoa powder, blending well. Pour this mixture over the oat mixture and stir everything together until all dry ingredients are evenly coated.

Spread granola mixture onto the prepared lined baking sheet and bake at 325˚F for 20 minutes; remove pan from oven to stir and toss mixture, then return to oven for an additional 15 minutes.

Remove from oven, let cool, then return mixture to large bowl and mix in the dried cranberries or cherries, chocolate chips, and heart sprinkles (the granola may clump together as it cools—just break into pieces as you’re transferring it from the pan back to the bowl.

Divide mixture into goody bags to share as Valentine treats, or serve in a big bowl for a group to snack on. Store leftovers in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 weeks.

Recipe from NancyC | nancy-c.com