Preheat toaster oven to 350 °F
Line a baking pan with parchment paper and lay out sliced almonds in a single layer
Place almonds in preheated toaster oven and toast for 5-7 mins flipping once (keep an eye on 'em cuz they burn easily!) (Note 3)
Combine peanut butter, honey, vanilla extract in a measuring cup. Stir until well mixed
In a separate bowl, add almonds, oats, salt, cinnamon and cocoa powder. Mix until well combined
Pour the wet peanut butter/honey mixture into the dry almond/oat mixture
Stir mixture WELL until ALL oats are moistened (its gonna take a little arm grease!) (Note 4)
Add in chocolate chips
Line a square pan with parchment paper up the sides (I use the same paper from toasting the almonds)
Pour granola mixture into the square 8"x8" pan, spread out into an even layer as best as possible. (Note 5)
Using the bottom of a glass, press down to firmly pack the mixture (cover the top of the granola with some parchment paper when pressing down to avoid sticking)
Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight.
Use the parchment paper to lift the bars out easily. Cut into square bars and ENJOY! (Note 6)