Smarter snacking is an important way to protect your heart.
According to a survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of the American Heart Association, U.S. adults are least knowledgeable about refined vs. whole grains compared to other food categories. Whole grains are a key feature of the Association’s recommendations.
Whole grains like sorghum, oatmeal and brown rice contain the entire grain. They’re rich sources of dietary fiber, may improve blood cholesterol levels and provide nutrients that help the body form new cells, regulate the thyroid and maintain a healthy immune system.
To discover more heart-healthy recipes from the American Heart Association’s Healthy for Good initiative, supported by the Sorghum Checkoff, visit heart.org/healthyforgood.
Date Nut Granola Bars
Ingredients
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1/4 cup almond slices or chopped almonds
- 1/4 cup shelled pistachios chopped
- 1 cup pitted dates
- 1/2 cup unsweetened dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup uncooked whole-grain sorghum
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low-sodium peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F.
- Line 8-inch square baking pan with plastic wrap or parchment paper. Lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray.
- On large baking sheet, spread oats, almonds and pistachios. Bake 10-15 minutes, or until lightly brown, stirring occasionally. Let cool slightly.
- In food processor or blender, process dates and cranberries 1-1½ minutes, or until chopped and clumpy. Transfer to large bowl.
- Put 2 TB sorghum in silicone microwaveable bowl or brown paper bag. If using microwaveable bowl, cover with lid. If using paper bag, roll shut and place on microwavable dinner plate with fold facing down. Microwave on high 2 minutes, or until there are more than 10 seconds between pops. Repeat with remaining sorghum.
- Stir popped sorghum, oats, almonds and pistachios into date mixture.
- In small saucepan over low heat, heat honey and peanut butter 5 minutes, or until peanut butter is smooth and mixture is warmed, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla and salt.
- Pour peanut butter mixture over date mixture. Transfer half to baking pan. Using bottom of drinking glass or fingers, press down firmly to flatten and pack tightly so clumps adhere to each other. Repeat with remaining half. Freeze, covered, about 1 hour, to firm.
- Place cutting board over pan. Turn pan over. Discard plastic wrap. Using knife, cut into bars. Refrigerate leftovers in airtight container up to 1 week