Chocolate Graham Granola

Lately my husband Dan and I have tried to be conscious of how much sugar we eat. We are trying to “be good” and keep the crap food to a minimum. It is hard for me. I have always had a major sweet tooth. Both Dan and I are known to have mini candy bars or peanut butter cups stashed in our freezer for an “easy snack”. So, I am currently on the hunt to try and find easy snacks that satisfy my sweet craving but are also a bit more healthy. Though there may still be a few lone mini Snickers stashed in my freezer. But I have to get up in the middle of the night and feed a baby . . . I deserve those. ;)

One of my favorite combinations is chocolate and graham crackers. I love crushed graham crackers on top of my chocolate frozen yogurt. And of course Smore’s are the best! I once ate four in a row last year while camping, and I also know how to make a mean Smore in my micowave. But since marshmallows aren’t part of the “be good” plan I have to omit those. However, chocolate and graham I thought would compliment granola. Granola is an easy sweet option that is semi healthy. Right?! I tried it and success was had you guys! It tastes the best on top of oatmeal or vanilla greek yogurt. I also love making it because it stores really well in mason jars or zip top bags. You can even share a jar with friends. Try making a batch and let me know how you like it.

*The measurements are pretty simple. You can interchange the crunchy elements to your liking. I love adding corn flakes to my granola because of the light crunch texture they offer. You can also add raisins or dried cranberries after baking for a chewy texture. I have also found that honey is the best option if you are thinking of using maple syrup or agave. Honey achieves a really great granola texture that the others can't emulate. At least thats my opinion.

What You Need

*Makes about one full baking sheet of granola.

1/2 cup crushed graham crackers

1 cup corn flakes

1 cup oats

1/2 cup sliced almonds

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1/4 cup honey

1/4 sugar

2 tablespoons cocoa powder

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

pinch of salt

What You Do

In a small sauce pan whisk together the oil, honey and sugar over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.

Whisk in the cocoa powder and keep whisking until a glossy thick syrup consistency forms. Whisk in vanilla and pinch of salt. Keep this mixture slightly warm.

In a large bowl mix the crushed graham crackers, corn flakes, oats and sliced almonds. *Don’t crush the graham crackers into sand. Leave little bits for texture.

Pour the warm cocoa mixture over the granola mixture. Use a rubber spatula to fold the ingredients all together. Be sure to get the cocoa mixture coated on every piece of granola. Be gentle as to not crush the corn flakes.

Once the granola is coated. Spread onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread into an even layer.

Bake at 275 degrees for about 30-35 minutes. Or until golden and toasty. Once it is finished baking, turn off the oven and leave the granola in the warm oven for about twenty minutes.

Once it is completely done and cooled break the granola into pieces and enjoy. Store in air tight containers for up to a week.