Chocolate and granola meet in this delicious breakfast treat
When I was growing up, I had the same routine every morning. For some reason, I would get up extra early. My mom left early for work and my dad worked 2nd shift. It was my responsibility to wake my dad up to get me ready for school.
While I waited for 7:30 to roll around, I watched my favorite shows like Aladdin and Saved by the Bell. To my dad’s dismay, his least favorite show came on when I woke him up – Timon & Pumba! I thought it was hilarious and always made sure to turn the sound up while he was fixing my breakfast.
Back in those days breakfast consisted of toast with some kind of shady jam – or so my ten-year-old self thought. I think my dad got a kick out of serving me damson plum jam. The look on my face was probably priceless!
These days almost every day starts with granola. I love trying new recipes, but always come back to this one. It’s super customizable – add your favorite nuts and dried fruits – these are just my favorites. Also, cacao nibs make a delicious, crunchy addition. Try these from my home state 😉
Do you have a special morning routine?
Other Granola Recipes:
- 3 cups rolled oats
- ⅓ cup whole wheat flour
- ⅓ cup cocoa powder
- ⅓ cup cacoa nibs, optional
- ½ cup pecan halves
- ½ cup almonds
- ½ cup canola oil
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup raisins
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
- Grease baking sheet with canola oil.
- In large bowl, combine rolled oats, whole wheat flour, cocoa powder, cacao nibs (if using,) pecans and almonds.
- In measuring cup, combine canola oil, maple syrup and vanilla extract.
- Pour liquids into dry mixture. Mix to coat.
- Spread oats on baking sheet, pressing into a single layer.
- Bake for 30 minutes. Flip oats. Add raisins and dried cranberries. Bake an additional 20 minutes.
I used to love waking up and watching “Saved By The Bell”! We had basic cable (and I mean like four channels) for the first 11 years of my life, so there wasn’t too many options for us. I think I also watched “Bewitched” and “I Dream of Genie”. This granola looks really great. I love the additional dried fruit in this chocolate granola.
I watched those shows, too! I’ll have to see if I can find an episode to watch with a big bowl of granola 😉
Morning routines are sacred, especially if they involve Saved by the Bell. And this granola also looks pretty sacred!
haha! Thanks Mir 🙂
This granola looks divine – I love anything with chocolate, so it definitely ticks all the boxes for me. I would definitely love this for breakfast first thing!
I’m obsessed with chocolate. Any excuse to eat chocolate for breakfast – sign me up 😉
I’m assuming damson plum jam was really sour?! Your mornings with your dad sound great and so sweet! 🙂 love homemade granola! yogurt and granola are my staples in the morning!
I don’t really remember what it tasted like, but I know I didn’t like it! Unlike this granola! I have it almost every morning!
I loved Saved by the Bell! I wasn’t cool enough to be able to watch it in the mornings, but that sounds like a fun wake-up routine.
It was the best! Thanks Eva 🙂
Granola is one of my guilty pleasures and your chocolate version would be a spectacular way to start the day!!
It’s the best way to start the day! Thanks Liz 🙂
Your mornings with your dad sound so nice 🙂 I remember waking up to watch Saved by the Bell too – good times. Homemade granola is my favorite! This chocolate would make any morning special, love all the add-ins! It sounds delicious!
Thanks Kelly! The add-ins are completely customizable – these are just my favorites!
I could definitely go for some chocolate granola right about now! This looks fantastic, Megan! I’ve never made a chocolate kind before, so I definitely need to change that!
This is one of my favorite flavors! You should definitely try chocolate, Gayle – it’s the best 😉
I am a stickler for morning routines…right now I’m in a PB&J mode, but I can see myself transitioning to a chocolate granola tradition.
PB&J sounds great! I’ll have to give it a try!
Your story is so sweet Megan. Trust me, the older you get the more precious these memories will become, and you’ll suddenly have a craving for those “shady” jams. 🙂
Your granola looks delicious. There’s nothing wrong with a little chocolate for breakfast.
Thanks Linda! It was fun to write about this memory. & I’m sure I’ll continue to cherish it!
Zach Morris was my first crush! It was totally my routine too to watch it every morning with my cereal! Speaking of cereal, I am kind of in love with this granola! Anything with chocolate in it that qualifies for breakfast is right up my alley!
Haha – thanks Michelle!
When I was really little I would wake up and watch Mouse-er-size (spelling??) while my dad got ready and then he would watch with me for a few minutes before leaving for work – I loved it!
And I love the sound of this granola!
I’m not familiar with that show, but I love that your dad watched with you! Thanks for visiting, Ashley!
I just stumbled upon your lovely blog and found this granola recipe! Luckily, I think I have all of these ingredients for my pantry so I am hopefully going to whip some up! My co-blogger and I would love to have you check us out sometime at InPSYCHfulliving.com, where we discuss mindful beauty, style, and living tips. As self-proclaimed foodies, we often throw in some fresh and healthy recipes into the mix! Thanks for sharing this recipe 🙂
Alison
Thanks so much for visiting, Alison! If you do try the granola, please let me know how you like it!
I for sure wouldn’t mind starting out the morning with this granola!
It’s the best! Thanks Julianne 🙂