ππ° Almond Cherry Energy Bar ππ°
What is it?
The Almond Cherry Energy Bar is a delightful and nutritious snack that combines the sweet and tart flavors of cherries with the nutty goodness of almonds. It’s a perfect on-the-go snack or pre-workout fuel, packed with energy-boosting ingredients.
History:
The history of energy bars can be traced back to the mid-20th century when they were initially developed for athletes and military personnel as a convenient source of sustenance. Over the years, they have evolved into a popular snack for people of all walks of life, providing a quick and healthy way to curb hunger and boost energy.
Components:
- 1 cup of dried cherries
- 1 cup of almonds
- 1/2 cup of rolled oats
- 1/4 cup of honey (or a suitable sweetener)
- 1/4 cup of almond butter
- 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- Optional: chocolate chips, chia seeds, or protein powder for added nutrition
Steps to Prepare:
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Preparation: Start by lining a square or rectangular baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some excess paper hanging over the edges. This will make it easier to lift the bars out later.
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Blend Almonds and Oats: In a food processor, combine the almonds and rolled oats. Pulse until you achieve a coarse texture, resembling breadcrumbs.
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Mix Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the dried cherries, almond butter, honey, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. If you want to add extra ingredients like chocolate chips, chia seeds, or protein powder, this is the time to do it.
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Combine Mixtures: Combine the dry almond and oat mixture with the wet cherry and almond butter mixture. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined.
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Press into Pan: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to press it down firmly and evenly.
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Chill: Place the dish in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 2-3 hours, or until the bars are set.
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Cut into Bars: Once the bars have hardened, use the parchment paper overhangs to lift them out of the dish. Place them on a cutting board and cut them into your desired bar size and shape.
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Serve: Your Almond Cherry Energy Bars are ready to enjoy! Wrap them individually or store them in an airtight container for a quick and healthy snack.
Time Needed:
- Preparation: 15-20 minutes
- Chilling: 2-3 hours
- Total time: Approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes to 3 hours and 20 minutes.
These Almond Cherry Energy Bars are not only delicious but also customizable to your taste and nutritional preferences. They are packed with natural sweetness from cherries, the protein and healthy fats of almonds, and the sustaining power of oats. Enjoy these bars as a tasty, energizing snack whenever you need a boost! ππ°π
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and health information for Almond Cherry Energy Bars:
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, approximate values):
- Calories: 200-250 calories
- Total Fat: 10-12 grams
- Saturated Fat: 1-2 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Sodium: 25-30 milligrams
- Total Carbohydrates: 25-30 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 4-5 grams
- Sugars: 15-18 grams
- Protein: 5-7 grams
Health Information:
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Rich in Nutrients: Almond Cherry Energy Bars are a good source of various essential nutrients. Almonds provide healthy fats, protein, fiber, vitamin E, and minerals like magnesium and calcium. Cherries contribute vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants.
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Healthy Fats: The majority of the fat in these bars comes from almonds, which are primarily heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. These fats can help reduce the risk of heart disease.
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Fiber: The bars contain a moderate amount of dietary fiber, which can aid digestion and help keep you feeling full and satisfied.
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Protein: Almond Cherry Energy Bars contain a decent amount of protein, making them a great choice for a post-workout snack to support muscle recovery.
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Natural Sweeteners: These bars use honey and dried cherries for sweetness, which are natural sweeteners and provide some vitamins and antioxidants.
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No Added Preservatives: When prepared at home, these bars typically do not contain added preservatives or artificial additives, making them a healthier alternative to many store-bought energy bars.
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Customizable: You can adjust the ingredients to fit your dietary preferences, such as using a sugar substitute or adding protein powder for an extra protein boost.
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Energy Boost: These bars are designed to provide a quick and sustained energy boost, making them an excellent choice for a pre-workout or mid-day snack.
Remember that the exact nutritional values may vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes you use. Always check the labels of your ingredients for accurate nutrition information if you have specific dietary requirements or restrictions.