Chocolate Granola

Truth is, homemade granola is easy to prepare and tastes awesome. The only thing that could make it better is chocolate. And not just bits of the good stuff--we're talking a full-on takeover. Our recipe for chocolate granola is decadent but not too indulgent. So pair it with milk or yogurt for breakfast, or sprinkle it over berries and whipped cream for dessert.

Easy Cherry-Almond Granola Bars

½ cup neutral oil (like olive, coconut or peanut)

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

½ cup brown sugar

¼ cup honey

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

⅓ cup cocoa powder

¾ teaspoon salt

4½ cups oats

1½ cups chopped almonds

2 cups chocolate chunks

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper, and grease the paper with nonstick cooking spray.

2. In a medium pot set over low heat, combine the oil with the butter, brown sugar, honey, vanilla, cocoa powder and salt. Heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.

3. In a large bowl, toss the oats with the almonds. Add the cocoa mixture and toss to combine.

4. Divide the mixture evenly between the two baking sheets and spread into an even layer. Bake until toasty and crisp, 45 minutes to 1 hour. Remove the baking sheets from the oven every 20 minutes or so and toss the granola with a spatula to make sure it’s toasting evenly.

5. Let cool to room temperature and then stir in the chocolate chunks. Transfer the finished granola to airtight containers; it will keep for up toa week.