Chocolate Granola

• 18 oz rolled oats
• 3 oz almonds, toasted and chopped
• 2 oz pepitas, toasted and chopped
• 1/2 oz flax seeds, toasted
• 3 Tbsp canola oil or coconut oil
• 1 Tbsp honey
• 3/4 tsp cardamom
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg optional
• 1/4 tsp anise (optional)
• 1/4 tsp cloves (optional)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/8 tsp salt or to taste
• 1/4-1/3 cup dried cranberries (or other dried fruits)
• 1/4 cup shredded coconut (optional)
• ~2.5 oz dark chocolate

1. Pre-heat oven to 350F/175C.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, almonds, pepitas, and flax seeds.
3. Mix oil and spices in a small bowl. Drizzle and stir into oat mix.
4. Bake in a large pan for 10 minutes. Add cranberries and stir mixture. Bake an additional 5 minutes.
5. Return granola to mixing bowl and slowly add chocolate in pieces while stirring to avoid the chocolate melting into clumps. If using coconut, stir in at this point.
6. Once cooled to room temperature, store in an airtight container. Refrigerate for extended freshness.

Original recipe by Dianne Mallon, Chester, VA.

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