This past holiday, my woodland theme warranted some loosely defined forest food – like ‘nuts and berries’ as appetizers…glazed nuts in both sweet and savory glazes included. But, in addition, every year I make some holiday takeaways – homemade treats wrapped in individual servings to give as gifts or to use as delicious, edible favors.

The rosemary shortbread trees I make every year were perfect for my theme this year, but I also added some dried fruit roll-ups and some granola. What outdoor theme would be complete without granola?

The chocolate granola I chose to make this year came from one of my favorite cookbooks – a la Mast – and it certainly gives granola a whole new meaning! (Click here for more on the cookbook.)

This granola is the perfect treat to package in small servings….I used cellophane bags, baker’s twine, and personalized labels (yes, I did make home made two words intentionally lol…I thought it gave it more emphasis to the fact that it was, indeed, made at home.)  I love this granola as a topping on plain yogurt, but it is also great to add some crunch to a pancake – maybe chocolate chip!

I made chocolate granola for the holidays, but it may be the perfect thing to make for a Valentine’s Day brunch (I will use it to make yogurt parfaits – layering yogurt, fruit, and chocolate granola in a pretty stemmed glass.) or to slip into a Valentine’s Day school lunch bag…also makes a nice bite to take on the ski slopes or on a winter hike.

This Chocolate Granola Recipe makes 5 cups.  Enjoy!

Chocolate Granola Recipe (makes 5 cups)
1 cup almonds, roughly chopped
1 cup pecans, roughly chopped
1 cup rolled oats
½ cup honey
2 Tablespoons brown sugar
3 Tablespoons unsalted butter
2 Tablespoons cocoa powder
½ cup cacao nibs
½ cup dried cranberries
5 ounces dark chocolate, chopped

Preheat oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Combine almonds, pecans, and rolled oats with honey and brown sugar. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes. Let cool. Melt butter with cocoa in a saucepan. Mix together cacao nibs, cranberries, and the roasted mixture. Stir in the melted butter mixture. Mix in the chopped dark chocolate.

Notes:  The cocoa nibs may be hard to find unless you live near the Mast store in Brooklyn, but you can probably find some at your local Whole Foods or gourmet food store. The labels I used for my holiday packaging came from Tiny Prints (click here for the website) and can easily be modified for Valentine’s Day or any other occasion by utilizing one of the many designs available…or make your own!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Remember to find pleasure in simple things, Jackie

Sharing at The Shabby Nest, French Country Cottage.