Chocolate Granola

So today I tried to make granola bars. In theory it should be easy. I missed a sticking ingredient though. That's what I call the type of ingredient that makes everything stay together. So I needed up with homemade granola. Something the kid in me loves. Here's the deal.

2 cups oatmeal
1/2 flax seed
1/2 cup almonds measured whole
1/2 cup pecans measured whole
1/4 cup sunflower seeds
1 cup dried blueberries
1 Tbsp brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar or splenda
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 cup honey
2 Tbsp peanut butter, I like the natural kind
1/2 chocolate chips
2 Tbsp melted butter

On a baking sheet with sides covered with tin foil, spread out the oatmeal and flax seeds. Toast at 400 degrees for no more than 10min. Make sure it doesn't burn.

While toasting chop almonds and pecans into small pieces. The size depends on your own preference. Mix in the sunflower seeds, blueberries, sugars, cocoa powder and chocolate chips.

When oatmeal is done, mix it with the nuts. Add the honey and peanut butter mixing them in individually. Add the melted butter one tablespoon at a time.

Spread mixture in a glass baking pan lined with greased (I use pan) wax paper. Bake in the oven at 350 degrees for about 10 to 15 minutes depending on your oven.

Let cool and enjoy.

Makes 15 servings

Food Name Chocolate Granola Homemade
Unit/Size Serving
Protein 4.2
Carbs 37.7
Fat 9.4
Calories 246.9

I like to mix it with fat-free Greek yogurt which is high in protein and have a tasty dessert. However mixing with milk will be a breakfast worth getting out of bed for!

PS I'm thinking you could substitute chocolate or vanilla protein powder for the cocoa powder to up the protein. For fat it is slightly higher than I like for a snack, but it comes from the nuts and the peanut butter. You could try reduced fat peanut butter or margarine instead of the butter to lower the fat.