I can call this Ultimate Chocolate Almond Granola for two main reasons. One, because it verges on being sinful with lots of almonds and chocolate. The second, because it has the most amazing crunchy clusters. It’s absolutely delicious with yogurt or almond milk. Toss on a few fresh berries and breakfast couldn’t be any better.
Yes, it’s made with sweetened condensed milk!
Â
You might think the sweetened condensed milk is over the top to use for granola, but I’m here to tell you it’s what makes this granola cluster up so well. It’s not nearly as sweet in the overall granola as you might think either. In fact, I find this amazing Chocolate Almond Granola has just the perfect hint of sweetness.
Let’s have a closer look at the overall sugar content since we are using something different from the more commonly used maple syrup or honey. The overall sugar content is slightly less than if made with maple syrup and/or honey. Sweetened condensed milk contains 11grams of sugar per tablespoon, whereas maple syrup contains 12grams and honey has 17grams. So overall the total grams of sugar is less than if you used the same amount of honey or maple syrup. The downfall is that sweetened condensed milk contains some refined sugar along with its natural lactose, whereas honey and maple syrup are natural sugars. But I’m here to tell you, this granola is amazing and you’ll want to eat it straight from the jar. Enjoy!
In a medium saucepan combine almond butter and coconut oil. Heat over low, stirring often until smooth and melted together.
In a large bowl stir together oatmeal, almonds, cocoa and salt.
Pour melted almond butter over oatmeal and stir to combine. Add sweetened condensed milk and stir until fully incorporated.
Spread out evenly onto a large baking sheet.
Bake for 25 minutes. Sprinkle on chopped chocolate and/or chopped chocolate covered almonds and stir. Return to oven for 25-30 minutes.
Remove from oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature before breaking apart into clusters. (granola will firm up as it cools)
Store granola in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze for up to a month.
Recipe Notes
I like to use a combination of chopped whole almonds and sliced almonds along with chopped chocolate covered almonds and chopped semi-sweet chocolate. Feel free to use whatever kind of almonds and chocolate you like, they're all delicious.
Product Favourites!
Affiliate Disclosure
I may receive compensation for purchases made through this site, at no cost to the purchaser. Compelled to Cook is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
Need another meatless option for Lent? This recipe can easily be made without the bacon. Or perhaps you’re looking for an elevated appetizer for Easter, or you simply want a wonderful make-ahead option for other entertaining occasions. This gorgeous Mushroom Gruyere Tart has you covered. Meaty mushrooms are smothered with cream cheese and herbs, topped with gruyere and baked in a puff pastry shell.
It’s a simple yet elegant pastry to add to your table whether as a main course item or appetizer. I quite like it for lunch served with a green salad. It’s one of my personal favourites because it uses everyday ingredients, is easy to prepare and can be made in advance and baked fresh when you’re ready. It smells amazing when baking and the combination of crispy puff pastry and creamy mushrooms is oh so drool worthy.
Love mushrooms? You’ll want to check out these wonderful recipes.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. If using bacon, add to skillet and cook until crisp and fat has rendered. Scoop out the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Remove all but a tablespoon of fat.
If not using bacon, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add wine, thyme, salt and pepper and cook until the wine has cooked out about 3 minutes.
Stir in cream cheese, 1/4 cup of Gruyere and bacon (if using).
Preheat oven to 425℉ and lightly spray a 4 3/4"- 5 3/4" x 14" tart pan with removable bottom. Fit puff pastry into the tart pan and trim the top so it is level with the pan. You will need to cut the puff pastry sheet in two pieces to make it fit.
Spread filling evenly into pastry shell and sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup of grated gruyere. Bake for about 25 minutes until golden and filling is bubbly.
Allow tart to rest for a couple of minutes prior to removing the outer pan. Cut into wedges, garnish with fresh thyme and serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
The tart can be assembled up to a day in advance and kept covered and chilled until ready to bake.
Product Favourites!
Affiliate Disclosure
I may receive compensation for purchases made through this site, at no cost to the purchaser. Compelled to Cook is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
Recent Comments