Hazelnut, Pepitas, and Dark Chocolate Granola

So this happened today.

Along with cleaning, job applications and this workout.  Almost all of my workouts come from fitnessista’s website.  Bless her soul for posting them!

It was in the low ’60s in my parks today and I was able to clean with the windows open.  Did mother nature forget that its December?  Living in the midwest pretty much entire life, having this warm weather just feels off.  I’m pretty positive I have never looked at my christmas tree  next to an open window before!?  Craayyyyyyy.  But it was nice to not have to wear pants over my shorts when I went to the gym.  It’s just so weird!

Okay, back to this crazy awesome granola.  It’s possible that I’ve been classified in the “crunchy granola type” before.  I say, isn’t everyone?!

If you aren’t, this recipe will convert you.

I’m telling you.

Crunchy, chewy, salty, sweet.

What are you waiting for?

Go make this granola!!

Hazelnut, Pepitas, and Dark Chocolate Granola

3 cups old fashioned oats

1 cup flour (whole wheat or white)

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1.5 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 cup almond milk (or any other choice of milk)

1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 cup corn syrup (brown rice syrup or honey can be substituted)

1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts

1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

1/4-1/2 cup raw pepitas (pumpkin seeds)

Preheat oven to 300 F.  Mix dry ingredients.  Make a hole in middle of mixture and add wet ingredients.  Add hazelnuts, chocolate and pepitas.  Mix until well combined (should be sticky).  Pour into baking sheet and bake in preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, turning once.  Let cool for 30 minutes before eating (if you can stand it!).  Store in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to a month.

…………Try to restrain yourself from eating all 5 cups of this in one sitting.  I’m currently trying to take my hand out of the bowl.    Step away from the granola Alisha!

I love granola over top of my oatmeal in the morning, with plain yogurt and fruit or with some almond milk as a bowl of cereal.  I’m making myself hungry.

How do you eat your granola?