Because Sometimes You Feel Like a Nut Granola

This is not the breakfast of champions.

I don't actually know any champions, but if I did, I'm sure they'd agree. (My gene pool is more like a puddle of serious under-achievers, if ya know what I mean.)

Since I don't know of one who can verify this claim, you're just going to have to trust me on this one. Better yet, trust me that hydrogenated oils and high-fructose corn syrup are bad ideas for breakfast food. But, while they may be bad, the tasty combination of almonds, coconut, and chocolate are still as good as the day they were born. 

They just don't tuck into the side pocket of a purse as easily.

Recently, I ran across a recipe for Chocolate Granola on another blog, and I knew with a little "tweaking" on my part, I could have my Almond Joy again, this time without the guilt.

Okay, there's a little guilt, but that may be because I kinda, sorta, maybe, might've eaten most of the batch.

It could happen.

And if nuts aren't your thing, leave them out.

♫Because, sometimes you feel like a nut, sometimes you don't!♫

~The Players~

1/3 cup organic brown sugar

1/3 cup coconut oil, melted (I use Tropical Traditions)

1/2 cup honey

1/2 cup organic cocoa powder (unsweetened)

7 cups old-fashioned rolled oats, divided

1 cup chocolate chips (I used bittersweet, but milk chocolate would be good too.)

1 cup unsweetened coconut chips

1 cup almond pieces (I used sliced almonds this time, but chopped are good!)

In a small saucepan, slowly melt coconut oil. (Don't worry about about measuring until after it's melted; simply pour any unused oil back into the container. It will firm back up.)

   Pour the melted oil back into the saucepan and whisk together with the brown sugar and honey. (Use the same measuring cup that was used for the oil to measure the honey, it will slide right out!) Bring to boil. Remove from heat and whisk in cocoa.

Measure out 3 cups of rolled oats; put into a large bowl.

Put remaining 4 cups of rolled oats into a food processor and pulse until 50% of the oats are a finer texture.

Mix the processed oats with the whole oats.

Pour the chocolate mixture over the oats, stirring with a large spoon until cool enough to handle.

Go ahead and lick your fingers...I won't tell...

Spread into 2 9x13 pans, cookie sheets (with sides), or broiler pans. Bake in preheated 350F. oven for 10 minutes.

Seriously. I said 10 minutes. Trust me.

Remove pans and turn off oven. Stir in coconut chips, almonds, and chocolate chips.

Return pans to the oven (make sure it's off!). Leave pans in the oven for 1-2 hours. Do not stir them during this time, just leave them be.

Be strong.

Remove from oven and let cool. Do not stir until cool. Store in sealed jars or other containers.

Enjoy!

**Check back tomorrow to see what I did with all this granola!**