subject: How To Make Delicious And Healthy Homemade Cereal Bars [print this page] How To Make Delicious And Healthy Homemade Cereal Bars
Breakfast has been proven to be one of the most important meals of the day. Starting the day with a good breakfast boosts energy levels, increases attention span, and heightens the sense of well-being. Other studies say that eating a sensible breakfast can help prevent chronic disease, increase longevity and better overall health.
In today's hectic world, the number one excuse for not having breakfast is lack of time. Crazy as it seems to some, many would rather spend an extra 15 to 30 minutes in bed than sit down to enjoy breakfast and a cup of coffee. In addition to providing your body with the essential vitamins and minerals to help you through to your next meal, breakfast should also be a time of quiet contemplation to plan your day ahead without too many interruptions.
If you're one of the millions who grab a bacon roll and a cuppa or cereal bar on the way to work, there is a healthier option that may be right up your street.
Making your own wholesome and delicious cereal bars is a great way to make sure that you get the early morning boost you need. It's quick, easy and in the long run could save you and the family a small fortune on the shop bought alternatives. Make them on a weekend and they'll be ready for the week ahead.
Ingredients
150g soft brown or light muscovado sugar
125g no-sugar-added crunchy peanut butter
125g unsalted butter
75g honey, plus a little more to finish
200g porridge oats
Finely grated zest of 1 lemon
Finely grated zest of 1 orange
150g dried fruit, such as sultanas, raisins, chopped apricots, prunes or dates.
150g mixed seeds, such as sunflower, pumpkin, sesame, poppy and linseed.
1. Grease and line a baking tin, of around 20cm square. Gently melt the sugar, butter, peanut butter, honey along with the grated citrus zests in a deep saucepan over a very low heat. Stir from time to time so that it doesn't burn.
2. Stir in the dried fruit, oats and approximately three-quarters of the seeds into the melted butter mixture until thoroughly combined. Spread the mixture out evenly in the baking tin.
3. Scatter the remaining seeds over the surface of the mix and trickle with a little more honey. Place in a preheated oven at 160C/Gas Mark 3 and bake for around 30 minutes, until golden in the centre and golden brown at the edges.
4. Leave to cool completely in the tin then turn out and cut into squares or rectangles with a sharp knife. These delicious treats will keep for 5-7 days in an airtight tin. Be patient when waiting for the pan to cool as they are more likely to break apart when trying to remove them from the tin if still warm.
The ingredients listed are not set in stone, feel free to experiment by taking out things that you may not like and including others that you do.
Voila Your very own healthy breakfast bar or for that matter, anytime snack to enjoy either on the move or whenever you like Simple.
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