Chocolate Cherry Granola

5 cups rolled oats

½ cup honey

3 tbsp canola oil

1 tsp Cinnamon

3 tbsp Cocao powder

1 cup dried cherries (cranberries if you can’t find ‘em)

1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

1 cup slivered almonds

 Heat oven to 250 degrees.  Put oats in a large mixing bowl.  Add in cinnamon and cocoa powder.  In measuring cup, combine honey and oil well.  Pour into oats and combine all ingredients well, making sure to break up any large chunks.  Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, stirring every 15-20 minutes.  Let cool completely, then add in fruit and chocolate pieces.  Mix well.  Enjoy!

This granola recipe is heart-healthy.   Both cherries and dark chocolate contain antioxidants that help protect the heart.  Oats contain soluble fiber which helps remove excess cholesterol from the blood.  Cinnamon helps to control blood sugar levels naturally.