Crazy for Cocoa Granola

Obviously I am being nostalgic and referencing the vintage Cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs commercials from the late 70s and early 80s.

When did the 80s get so retro?

Since we are obviously not eating processed, sugary, and manufactured cereals on our 2017 Challenge, I have been making granola for our breakfasts.  I decided to take a favorite base recipe and add some powdered unsweetened cocoa to it.   I only added one tablespoon.  Next time, I will add two.  (I might also add cacao nibs for Version 2.0.)

 

Crazy for Cocoa Granola

…or Heart Healthy Granola

This recipe is a modification of one of our favorite granola recipes from Gourmet Today.

Ingredients

  • 4 c. old fashioned oats
  • 1 c. hemp seed hearts
  • 1 c. sliced almonds
  • 1/2 c. desiccated unsweetened coconut shreds
  • 1/2 c. coconut oil
  • 1/2 c. honey
  • 1-2 T. unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/8 t. fine sea salt
  • 1 t. cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Place oats, hemp seed hearts and almonds in a large bowl and toss to combine.
  2. In a small sauce pan over low heat, melt the coconut oil and honey. Stir until just combined. Do not boil.
  3. When coconut oil is combined with honey, remove from heat and stir in cocoa powder, sea salt and cinnamon.
  4. Drizzle the liquid over the oat mixture and stir to combine.
  5. Line a large jelly roll pan with a silicon pad or parchment paper.  Spread out granola in a thin layer.
  6. Bake at 350 F. for 30 minutes, rotating pan and stirring half way through.
  7. Reduce heat to 250 F. and cook for another 30-40 minutes stirring occasionally until mixture is dry.

There’s no butter in this granola and I don’t think the flavor suffers.  Using the coconut oil, however, makes the cooking time longer in order to dry out the granola and crisp it up a bit.  The hemp hearts (packed with Omega-3s and Omega-6s) makes this heart healthy.  The cocoa and cinnamon make it delicious.

Again, I ask, “When did all things 80s become vintage?”  Our 15-year-old Goddaughter is so into this decade.  I wish I still had my concert T-shirts from Rick Springfield, Quarterflash, and Loverboy to give to her.  I also wish I had never sold my vinyl at a garage sale.

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