Hello, breakfast lovers! Today, we’re making a wholesome and delicious treat that’s perfect for a quick morning meal or a mid-day snack: Millet and Almond Breakfast Bars. These bars combine the nutty flavor of millet with the crunch of almonds, making for a satisfying and nutritious start to your day.

Why Millet?

For this recipe, we’re using pearl millet. Pearl millet has a mild, slightly nutty flavor and a great texture that works well in bars. It’s packed with essential nutrients like magnesium, phosphorus, and fiber, making it a great addition to your breakfast routine.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pearl millet: Rinsed and drained.
• 2 cups water: For cooking the millet.
• 1 cup almonds: Chopped.
• 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup: For natural sweetness.
• 1/2 cup almond butter: Adds richness and binds the bars.
• 1/2 cup dried fruit (such as cranberries, apricots, or raisins): For a touch of sweetness and chewiness.
• 1/4 cup chia seeds: For added fiber and omega-3s.
• 1/4 cup sunflower seeds: For extra crunch.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: For flavor.
• Pinch of salt: To enhance the flavors.

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pearl Millet:
   • In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
   • Add the rinsed pearl millet, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the millet is tender and the water is absorbed.
   • Fluff with a fork and let it cool completely.
2. Prepare the Mixture:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked millet, chopped almonds, dried fruit, chia seeds, and sunflower seeds.
   • In a small saucepan, gently heat the honey (or maple syrup) and almond butter until they are well combined and smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
3. Combine and Form Bars:
   • Pour the honey and almond butter mixture over the millet mixture. Stir well until everything is evenly coated and combined.
   • Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang for easy removal.
   • Press the mixture firmly into the pan, spreading it evenly. Use the back of a spoon or your hands to pack it down.
4. Chill and Cut:
   • Refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours, or until it’s firm.
   • Once chilled, lift the mixture out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and cut into bars.
5. Serve:
   • Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.

Enjoy Your Nutritious Bars!

These Millet and Almond Breakfast Bars are perfect for busy mornings or as a healthy snack throughout the day. With their combination of nutty millet, crunchy almonds, and sweet dried fruit, they’re sure to become a favorite in your household.

We hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do. If you make these bars, don’t forget to share your creations with us by tagging us on social media!

Happy baking and snacking!