Healthy Bites with TGMC | Cranberries: No-Bake Breakfast Bars

What are the benefits of eating cranberries? Besides holidays, cranberries are often over looked during the rest of the year. These tart berries have amazing health benefits when added to your regular diet that may surprise you. Cranberries are naturally low in sugar and contain vitamin C, minerals, and fiber. Research shows that cranberries may help the entire body including aiding in stomach, oral, and heart health.

Did you know? Cranberries were actually called the “wonderberry” by Native Americans because of the multiple ways they could be used. This included using the berry as medicine and using it to color rugs, blankets, and clothing. The Native Americans made an ultimate survival food called pemmican. Pemmican was made by mixing the mashed berries with meat and then drying it. When done properly, it could last three to five years at room temperature. In today’s world, 95 percent of cranberries are used to make juices, sauces, or jellies. Cranberries and their health benefits can be used in many other ways such as adding them to oatmeal, muffins, trail mix, cookies, and so much more.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup peanut butter (for
   individuals with nut allergies, sun
   butter can be used)
• 3 cups toasted oat cereal
• 1 cup yogurt chips, save 1/2 cup
   (120 g) for melting
• 1/2 cup unsalted toasted almonds,
   chopped (or substitute with
   sunflower seeds)
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil, optional

Directions:

STEP 1
In a bowl, mix honey with peanut butter. Microwave for 45 seconds, stirring every 15 seconds, or until melted.
STEP 2
In a large bowl, combine oat cereal, 1/2 of the yogurt chips (save the other half for later), chopped almonds, and dried cranberries.
STEP 3
Pour the melted honey mixture into the bowl and stir until well mixed.
STEP 4
Pour into an 8×8 baking pan lined with parchment paper, and gently flatten the mixture evenly around the pan.
STEP 5
Freeze for 30 minutes. Once the mixture has hardened enough, cut it into 8 pieces.
STEP 6
Melt the other half of the yogurt chips in the microwave for 15 seconds at a time, until melted. (Optional: adding 1 tsp. of coconut oil will help with the melting process)
STEP 7
Dip the bottom of the bars in the melted yogurt chips and place on a piece of parchment paper. Freeze for another 15 minutes.
STEP 8
Wrap each bar in parchment paper & store in the refrigerator or freezer for up to 3 months.

Serving Size: 8 Bars

For more information contact our Healthy Lifestyles Center at 985-850-6002 or visit tgmc.com.