Chocolate Cherry Granola

Pretty sure you could serve this to even the finicky of breakfast eaters and you would get two thumbs up.

A little touch of chocolate brings in a bit of a pick me up (or sugar high) and adds a little something extra.  Pairing it with cherries takes it to a whole 'nother level.

Pffft who says granola is boring?

Toss a few tablespoons into your regular cereal, mix it with your favorite yogurt (vanilla is my choice) or grab a few handfuls throw it into a baggie and pull it out for those mid morning lulls!

I can't speak for you but I am more than alright eating chocolate for breakfast especially if it is disguised in a nutritionally packed breakfast.
Who am I kidding, if I could eat a few squares of chocolates and call it a morning I likely would.
This option is obviously better for you.

Ok, excuse me while I go devour some now......

I'm listening to: Pardon Me - Incubus

Here's what you'll need:

4 cups. large flake rolled oats
1/2 c. sunflower seeds
1/4 c. sesame seeds
1/2 c. dried cherries
1/2 c. raspberry flavored cranberries
3/4 c. applesauce
1/4 c. honey
2 tbsp. brown sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
dash of salt
1 bar Ghiradelli semi sweet chocolate (chopped)

In a bowl mix together oats, seeds, dried fruit and cinnamon.

In a pot over medium heat add applesauce, honey, brown sugar and salt - stir.
Warm until it has thinned out (about 2-3 minutes).  Do not boil.

Pour over the mixture of grains/fruit and toss to coat.
Turn onto two greased parchment lined baking sheets and spread out.

Throw it into a 300F oven.
Every 5 minutes flip and move around so it doesn't burn.
Keep doing this until lightly browned.
Let cool completely, add in the chopped chocolate and store in an airtight container.

This recipe was adapted from the Canadian Living Magazine - October 2011 Issue