Chocolate Coconut Granola

Granola is a favorite treat and breakfast fare around here, and I am trying to come up with some variations so we don't tire of the same basic granola, as good as it is. This chocolate coconut version is probably the favorite so far, and it smells AMAZING as it bakes. My husband asked me to make my berry chocolatey summertime parfaits for dessert in the next day or two, and this granola is most definitely getting sprinkled on them!

Just like with the basic granola, there could be a lot of variation with ingredients/price, and you can do this recipe for much cheaper than I have here. I splurged on gluten-free rolled oats, very dark organic chocolate, organic coconut and organic coconut oil. Even with these splurges, I am well under what it would cost for me to purchase granola, especially gluten free. I try to make sure that all of my recipes are easy to adjust as needed to fit your own taste/budget! :)


Chocolate Coconut Granola

4 cups rolled oats (not quick-cooking)
1/3 cup coconut oil, canola oil or light olive oil
1/3 cup honey
1 cup almonds
1 cup coconut
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 oz melt-able chocolate

Step 1: In a small saucepan over low heat, stir oil, honey, chocolate, vanilla and salt until chocolate is compltely melted.

Step 2: Place oatmeal, almonds and coconut in a large mixing bowl. Pour chocolate mixture over it and mix well, until dry ingredients are evenly coated.

Step 3: Spread mixture out on two baking sheets and bake at 250 degrees for 40-45 minutes, stirring 2-3 times to make sure it evenly toasts. As it cools, break up any large clumps.


Cost:

Rolled Oats (gluten free): $6.39/32 oz bag, $5.89 after $1/2 coupon, used 4/9 of bag = $2.62

Chocolate (organic): Dagoba 2 oz bar extra strong dark, $1 off w/ coupon from Recyclebank = $1.99

Almonds: $3.99/10 oz bag, used 1/3 of bag = $1.33

Honey: $5/16 oz jar, used about 1/6 of jar = $.83

Coconut (organic): $3.49/8 oz bag , used 1/4 bag = $.87

Coconut oil (organic): $7.49/14 oz jar, used just under 1/5 of jar = $1.50

Total Cost: $9.14

12 Servings: $.76 per serving