Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola

Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola

Ingredients:

• 4 cups old fashioned rolled oats
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup all natural, no sugar added peanut butter
• 1/3 cup all natural, no sugar added applesauce
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

•  Pre-heat oven to 325 degrees F.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, cocoa powder, sugar and salt.  Set aside.
• Add the peanut butter, applesauce, honey and vanilla to a separate microwave-safe bowl.  Microwave on high for 20 - 30 seconds, just to warm and loosen everything up.  Whisk until well blended.
• Add the wet ingredients to the dry and toss until evenly coated.
• Spread the granola onto a Silpat-lined baking sheet and bake for 25 - 30 minutes, stirring it halfway through to promote even cooking.  
• Remove from oven and let cool completely.  The granola will be soft while it's hot, but once it cools completely it will be nice and crunchy.

To make it more fun, add 3/4 cup dry roasted peanuts and 3/4 cup chocolate chips once the granola is completely cooled.