I love a challenge, so when got milk?, CA Milk challenged me to create a savory twist on cereal and milk for a fun night snack or even meal, I knew this would be right up my alley. I already love food with an unexpected twist. I’m the girl that’s always going to order the weirdest thing on the menu. For my ‘night cereal’ recipe, I quizzed my kids on some of their favorite flavor combinations. One of their favorite treats is these Chocolate Chipotle Donuts – we all love that rich chocolatey flavor with a touch of heat. So, I came up with a sweet, spicy and crunchy granola that my whole family loves – Chocolate Chipotle Granola.

Cereal is a perfect late night snack or even dinner on a busy evening (yep, I’m that mom once in a while). Sometimes, when I have a lot on my plate or we have a million after school activities, my big kids just have to fend-for-themselves when it comes to dinner. With one in high school, one in middle school and one in kindergarten, our family is BUSY! Some evenings we aren’t all home at the same time. This yummy granola is a great dinner option for kiddos who get home late after cross country or marching band. All of my kids are pretty adventurous when it comes to food. So, having a gourmet twist on a breakfast staple works in our house.   Don’t be intimidated, granola is one of the easiest things you can make. And once you make one batch, you’ll be coming back to bake more. It’s important to me to know what’s going into my food. This homemade granola is full of fiber and protein and really doesn’t have very much sugar at all. Served with ice cold milk, this cereal is really makes a filling and nutritious meal.

Chocolate Chipotle Granola

• 3 cups rolled oats (not the quick cooking type)
• 1/3 cup cocoa
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 2 tsp. ground chipotle pepper
• 1/3 cup coarsely chopped almonds
• 1/4 pepitas
• 2 tbsp. sesame seeds
• 1/4 coconut oil
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup raw sugar
• 1 tsp. vanilla

In a small pot, combine the coconut oil, honey and sugar. Warm over medium high heat until the sugar and honey dissolve. Remove from the heat and add the vanilla.

In a large bowl combine all the dry ingredients (the first 7).  Stir to combine.  Pour the melted honey and coconut oil mixture over the oat mixture. Stir till all the ingredients are wet.Pour the granola onto a parchment or silpat lined baking sheet.Spread out on the sheet evenly. Bake in a 325 F oven for about 25-30 mins, stirring the mixture halfway through the baking time.

Cool completely and then break apart the bigger clusters of granola. Store in an airtight container. Serve with cold milk or use as a yogurt or ice cream topping.I love this combination of sweet with a little heat. Late night snacking just got a whole lot better in the McConnel house.

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