Chocolate Granola by N Kumar on Apr 25, 2011
Granola is a healthy and crunchy breakfast and a scrumptious snack. You can even get more creative and add them in your salads or use as a topping on your ice-cream. I was little skeptical when I added apple sauce in granola. But I was not sorry. It really did not taste anything applish rather it enhanced the taste of Granola. Do try this chocolaty and healthy version of Granola.
When I was baking it in the oven our home was smelling cocoa and cinnamon with the fragrance of toasted nuts. I just couldn’t wait to pull the tray out of the oven. When I had the first bite I felt gratified instantly. It was yummy, crunchy and chocolaty (not that sweet thou) . Honey and Agave nectar imparted the mild sweetness and all the ingredients blended so really well.
- Cook time:
- Prep time:
- Serves: 6 people
- 4 1/2 cup Oats
- 1 cup sliced Almonds
- 1/2 cup Pecans (crushed)
- 1/2 cup Walnut (crushed)
- 1 cup Sunflower seeds
- 4 tbsp Black Currant
- 5 chopped Dry Figs
- 8 pitted and chopped Dates
- 2 tbsp Sesame Seeds
- 3 tbsp Wheat Germ
- 1/2 cup + 2 tbsp Honey
- 1 1/4 cup Agave Nectar
- 1/4 cup Cocoa
- 1/2 cup Unsweetened Apple Sauce
- 2 tbsp Canola Oil
- 2 tsp Cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp Salt
Preheat the oven to 325 F. Line the cookie tray with parchment paper.
Crush walnut and pecans in to small chunks using a pestle n mortar or a Blender. You can also chop them.
In a huge mixing bowl add the above ingredients in the order up to Wheat Germ. Give it a stir to mix them up.
Then add honey, agave nectar, apple sauce, salt, canola oil, cocoa, cinnamon and mix it well using a spatula.
Take the granola mix and spread it on the cookie tray. Do not crowd them. Slip it into the oven and let it stay there for 40 minutes. Half way through turn them around using a spatula. Don’t forget your oven mitts when you pull them out :)
I divided them in to 3 batches and baked them separately as I had only one jelly pan. After 40 minutes, pull the tray out of the oven and allow it to cool. Store them in airtight container.