Chocolate Granola

Instructions:

1. Prepare the dry ingredients
   In a large bowl, mix the rolled oats, cocoa powder, salt, and brown sugar. Set aside.

2. Mix the wet ingredients
   In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, honey, maple syrup, and vanilla until smooth and fully combined.

3. Combine wet and dry
   Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir thoroughly until all of the oats are evenly coated.

4. Whip and fold in the egg whites
   In a small bowl, whisk the egg whites until foamy and lightly aerated (do not beat to stiff peaks). Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the granola mixture until just incorporated.

5. Press onto the baking sheet
   Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Transfer the granola mixture onto the sheet and spread it into a thin, even layer. Firmly press the mixture down with a spatula or the bottom of a measuring cup to help form clusters.

6. Bake
   Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 25 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through baking. Do not stir.

7. Cool completely
   Remove from the oven and allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet without touching it. This step is essential for proper clump formation.

8. Finish
   Once fully cooled, break the granola into clusters. If using chocolate chips, gently fold them in at this stage.