If you are like the majority of Americans, by now you have already forgotten, broken or abandoned your new year's resolution. Quite frankly, it's not surprising. It wasn't that long ago that it was a time of sharing meals with friends and family, the days were full of cheer. We were tempted with punch, cookies and delicious pies. It is hard for anyone to snap out of that mindset so quickly. So as we sit here in early 2016 and reflect back, are we what we eat? And if so, what is that? May I suggest pecans? And no that won't make you nuts. Pecans are well-documented to be a good way to lower your cholesterol, assist in weight loss, help you with hair growth and aid in building your immune system. Pecans are a good source of vitamins, minerals and protein. It was discovered that native Americans could get as much protein from eating pecans as they could from wild game. Pecans are many things and yes, they are a delicious and healthy snack. Eating healthy can help you look good for your sweetheart on Valentine's Day which is just around the corner. Here is a recipe to help you change who you are if you are about to change what you eat.
Healthy Granola Bars with Cranberries and Pecans
These granola bars are naturally sweetened with bananas, applesauce and cranberries. There is no processed sugar or artificial sweeteners. (However, we recommend adding a touch of maple syrup or honey for your sweet tooth.)
Nuts, seeds and whole grains support digestive and heart health. Pecans are rich in antioxidants, so these real food granola bars are truly nutritious!
Ingredients: 3 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats 3/4 cup Pearson Pecan Pieces 3 large, ripe bananas 2/3 cup unsweetened applesauce 3/4 cup dried cranberries 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg 2 tbsp ground flax seed (or flax meal) 1/2 tsp salt
Directions: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. In a 9x13 baking sheet, lay a silicone baking mat or layer of parchment paper. Mix oats and pecans. Toast oats and pecans in a large skillet or in the oven on a baking sheet. They should be lightly toasted after a few minutes. Set aside. Place bananas in a large mixing bowl. Mash the bananas with a fork until mushy. Add applesauce and mix together. Once the oats and pecans are toasted, pour into a large mixing bowl. Mix in cranberries, flax seed, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Add banana and applesauce mixture. Stir until clumpy and transfer to baking sheet. Make sure that the mixture is even (see picture). Bake for 30 minutes and then cool. Cut into bars. (It should make about 15 granola bars.) Store in the fridge or freezer for a healthy snack! As always we have a fresh supply of ingredients here at:
