Turning Old Cereal into Breakfast Bars: A Simple, Tasty Transformation
We’ve all been there: peering into our kitchen cupboards only to find a box of cereal that’s been open a little too long. It’s not fresh enough for a satisfying bowl of milk and cereal but it feels wasteful to just throw it away. Fear not, my fellow cereal lovers, because there’s a brilliant and delicious solution to this dilemma – turning that slightly stale cereal into homemade breakfast bars!
What makes this idea so wonderful is how simple and adaptable it is. Virtually any type of cereal can be transformed, and you’re doing the environment a favor by reducing waste. Plus, homemade breakfast bars are nutritious, easy to grab on the go, and can be customized to your taste. Let’s dive into how you can revitalise that lonely box of cereal into something scrumptious.
Ingredients and Tools You’ll Need:
Before we start, you’ll need to gather a few kitchen essentials. The great thing about this recipe is its flexibility, so while I’ll list out basic ingredients, feel free to get creative.
Ingredients:
– 2 to 3 cups of old cereal (any kind will do, but chunkier cereals work best)
– 1/2 cup of nuts or seeds (like almonds, peanuts, sunflower seeds, etc.)
– 1/2 cup of dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, chopped apricots, etc.)
– 1/3 cup of honey or maple syrup (for a vegan version)
– 1/3 cup of nut butter (peanut, almond, or your choice)
– A pinch of salt
– Optional: 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract or cinnamon for extra flavor
Tools:
– A mixing bowl
– A saucepan
– A spatula or spoon for mixing
– A baking dish (8×8 inches works well) or a tray lined with parchment paper
Instructions:
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Prep Your Pan: First, line your baking dish or tray with parchment paper. This ensures your breakfast bars don’t stick, and makes cleanup a breeze.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss together the old cereal, nuts or seeds, and dried fruits. This mix is the base of your bars, so feel free to get inventive with your combinations.
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Heat Wet Ingredients: In a small saucepan over low heat, gently warm the honey (or maple syrup) with the nut butter. Stir until they meld together into a smooth mixture. Here, you can stir in a pinch of salt and any optional spices like vanilla extract or cinnamon.
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Combine: Pour the warm honey and nut butter mixture over your dry cereal mix. Stir everything together thoroughly, making sure the dry ingredients are well-coated. This sticky mixture will hold your bars together, so ensure it’s evenly mixed.
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Press Into Pan: Transfer your mixture to the prepared dish or tray. With the back of your spoon or spatula (greasing it a little helps), firmly press the mixture down into an even layer. This compaction is key to ensuring your bars stick together after cooling.
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Chill and Set: Pop the dish into the refrigerator and let your concoction chill for at least an hour. This cooling period is crucial as it helps the bars set and solidify, making them easier to cut.
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Slice and Enjoy: Once chilled and firm, lift the entire block out of the dish using the edges of the parchment paper as handles. On a cutting board, slice the block into bar or square shapes, depending on your preference.
And there you have it! Your once-forlorn cereal has now been rebirthed into delightful breakfast bars that are perfect for quick mornings or as a snack. These bars not only taste great but are packed with energy to kickstart your day. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.
This method champions creativity and sustainability. By transforming old cereal, you’re taking a small yet impactful step towards reducing food waste, all while treating yourself to a tasty, nutritious snack. So next time you come across a box of cereal that’s past its prime, remember its potential to become your next batch of breakfast bars. Happy cooking!
