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Chocolate Cranberry Granola | Healthy Nibbles and Bits
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Author: Lisa Lin

Ancient Grains Chocolate Cranberry Granola

Start off your day with this delicious ancient grains chocolate cranberry granola! Makes about 5 cups.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time35 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup amaranth
  • 1 1/4 cup buckwheat groats
  • 1/3 cup slivered or sliced almonds
  • 1/3 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1/3 cup pumpkin seeds
  • 1 cup flaked coconut
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil
  • 3/8 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/3 cup maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350ยบ F. Line one or two baking sheets with silicone mats or parchment paper.
  • Heat a medium-sized pot over medium-high heat to pop the amaranth. To test whether the pot is hot enough, flick a bit of water into the pot. If the water sizzles and evaporates quickly, the pot is ready to go.
  • Pour about 1 to 2 tablespoons of amaranth into the pot. You probably want to cover the pot because these tiny grains can get out of control as they pop!
  • Shake the pot constantly to make sure all the grains are exposed to the heat. When about 1/2 to 3/4 of the amaranth is popped, pour it into a large bowl, and pop the rest of the grains. Let the popped amaranth cool for a few minutes.
  • Mix all the other dry ingredients into the large bowl.
  • Melt the coconut oil in the microwave or a saucepan. Then, mix in the cocoa powder and maple syrup. Stir the chocolate sauce with the dry ingredients until everything is well incorporated.
  • Spread the granola into a single layer (I used 2 baking sheets for this). Bake for about 8 minutes and give the granola a quick stir.
  • Bake it for another 7 minutes and remove from the oven.
  • Let the granola cool for about 10 minutes. Stir the dried cranberries with the granola in a large bowl or on top of the baking sheet.
  • Store in a sealable bag or an airtight container.

Notes

1. I prefer using a silicone mat to prevent the ingredients from burning.[br]2. After burning about a cup of amaranth, I can say with confidence that you should pop only small amounts of amaranth at a time. The heat will not be evenly distributed when you have too many grains in the pot, which increases the chances of burning.[br]3. Feel free to substitute any of the grains or nuts in this recipe![br]4. If you do not have coconut oil, substitute it with other vegetable oils.
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