Black Forest Granola

This super chocolately, decadent-tasting granola is actually sugar-free, gluten-free and oil-free.  Definitely makes you feel like you can have your cake and eat it too!  Amazing with yogurt, milk or on its own as a snack.  All the chocoholics in this house, even Little A who is not usually a granola lover, have been enjoying this.

1.5 cups unsweetened prune puree (baby food works perfectly!)
1/4 cup-1/2 cup xylitol or powdered stevia, or to taste
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup cocoa powder
4 cups large flake oats (gluten-free, if necessary)
8 large, unflavoured rice cakes, crumbled, or 6 cups puffed brown rice
1-2 tbls chia seeds
1/2-3/4 cup unsweetened dried cherries
Optional: 1/2 cup chopped, toasted almonds or hazelnuts and/or sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, etc.

Whisk together prune puree, sweetener, vanilla, salt and cocoa powder.  Place oats, rice, and chia seeds in a large bowl.  Poor prune mixture overtop and stir until fully coated.  Spread evenly onto 2 baking sheets, covered in parchment paper and lightly sprayed with non-stick spray.  Bake in the oven at 275F for 40 minutes, rotating each sheet from top to bottom rack, every 10 minutes.  Let cool completely.  Toss with cherries, nuts and any additional mix-ins.  Store in an airtight container for 3-4 weeks.

This recipe has been entered into Vegetarian Mamma's Gluten-Free Friday and Diet, dessert, & Dogs' Wellness Weekend.