Step 1

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the oats, brown rice cereal, cocoa powder, and salt.

Step 3

In a small measuring cup, whisk together the maple syrup, vanilla, and mint extract.

Step 4

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir really well, scraping the bottom of the bowl, to make sure everything is well moistened.

Step 5

Pour the granola onto a large rimmed baking sheet into one compact even layer. Pat it down, but don't spread it out too much - you don't want gaps in between.

Step 6

Bake for 30 minutes. I like to turn my pan around in the oven at the 20 minute mark to ensure even cooking since our oven does have some hot spots. But, DO NOT STIR during the cooking time.*

Step 7

Let it cool on the pan for about 10 minutes and then break into clumps.

Step 8

Add the chocolate chips and gently stir to distribute them throughout.

Step 9

Store any leftovers, completely cooled, in an air-tight glass jar on the counter. It will keep for 3-5 days, although it never lasts that long in our house!