Honey Bran Squares

Honey Bran Squares Recipe - Sweet and Savory Combination of Flavors

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Honey Bran Squares are a delicious and nutritious treat that are perfect for a quick snack or a sweet dessert. These squares are made with a combination of honey, marshmallows, bran cereal, and peanuts, creating a chewy and crunchy texture that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

History

The recipe for Honey Bran Squares has been around for decades, with variations popping up in cookbooks and kitchens all over the world. This recipe is a twist on the classic rice krispie treat, using bran cereal and peanuts for added flavor and nutrition.

Ingredients

0.25 cup of honey
0.25 cup of butter or margarine
4 cups of mini marshmallows
6 cups of bran cereal
1 cup of peanuts

How to prepare

In a large saucepan, blend together honey and butter. Stir in marshmallows.
Cook and stir the mixture over medium-high heat until the marshmallows are completely melted.
In a separate bowl, mix together the cereal and nuts. Then, stir in the melted marshmallow mixture until everything is well-coated.
Lightly grease a 13 x 9 x 2 inches pan and press the mixture into it.
Finally, cut the mixture into squares.

Variations

Swap out the peanuts for almonds or cashews for a different flavor profile.
Add dried fruit, such as raisins or cranberries, for a burst of sweetness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to stir the marshmallow mixture constantly to prevent it from burning.

- Press the mixture firmly into the pan to ensure that the squares hold their shape.

- For a more decadent treat, drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the squares before cutting them into pieces.

Serving Suggestions

Honey Bran Squares are perfect for a quick snack on the go or a sweet treat after dinner. Serve them with a glass of milk or a cup of tea for a satisfying snack.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making perfect Honey Bran Squares is to melt the marshmallows slowly over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Press the mixture firmly into the pan to ensure that the squares hold their shape.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have bran cereal on hand, you can use rice krispies or another crispy cereal in its place. You can also swap out the peanuts for another nut or omit them altogether.

Make Ahead Tips

Honey Bran Squares can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to a week. They also freeze well, so you can make a batch and save some for later.

Presentation Ideas

Cut the Honey Bran Squares into small squares or rectangles for a bite-sized treat. You can also drizzle melted chocolate over the top for a more decadent presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Honey Bran Squares pair well with a cup of coffee or tea for a sweet and satisfying snack. They also go well with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert option.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Honey Bran Squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To reheat, place them in the microwave for a few seconds to soften them up.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Honey Bran Squares contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Honey Bran Squares contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Honey Bran Squares contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Honey Bran Squares contains approximately 4 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Honey Bran Squares are a good source of iron, magnesium, and vitamin E.

Alergens

Honey Bran Squares contain peanuts and may not be suitable for those with nut allergies.

Summary

Honey Bran Squares are a delicious treat that are relatively low in calories and fat, making them a great option for a sweet snack.

Summary

Honey Bran Squares are a delicious and nutritious treat that are perfect for a quick snack or a sweet dessert. With a combination of honey, marshmallows, bran cereal, and peanuts, these squares are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth while providing a boost of energy. Enjoy them on their own or paired with a hot beverage for a delightful treat.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Honey Bran Squares. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my Aunt Clara, who lived on a farm in the countryside. Aunt Clara was known for her delicious baked goods, and she always had a new recipe up her sleeve to share with me.

As soon as I walked into her kitchen, the sweet scent of honey and bran filled the air. Aunt Clara was bustling around the kitchen, pulling ingredients out of the pantry and measuring them precisely. I watched with fascination as she mixed the batter together, explaining each step to me as she went along.

"Have you ever tried Honey Bran Squares before, dear?" Aunt Clara asked, a twinkle in her eye.

I shook my head, eager to learn more about this new treat. Aunt Clara had a way of making even the simplest recipes seem like a work of art.

"They're a family favorite," she said, pouring the batter into a square baking dish. "I learned how to make them from a dear friend many years ago. The secret ingredient is the honey - it gives the squares a unique sweetness that you just can't find in other desserts."

Aunt Clara slid the baking dish into the oven, and we sat down at the kitchen table to wait for the squares to bake. As we chatted and sipped on tea, she told me the story of how she had come to learn this recipe.

"It all started when I was a young girl, just like you," Aunt Clara began, her eyes faraway as she reminisced. "I used to spend my summers on my grandparents' farm, helping out in the kitchen and learning the art of baking from my grandmother. She was a master in the kitchen, and she passed down all of her recipes to me."

One summer, Aunt Clara's grandmother had a visitor - a sweet old woman named Mrs. Jenkins who lived down the road. Mrs. Jenkins was known for her delicious baked goods, and she often brought treats over to share with the family. One day, she brought over a batch of Honey Bran Squares, and Aunt Clara's grandmother was instantly smitten.

"She begged Mrs. Jenkins for the recipe, but she refused to share," Aunt Clara chuckled. "So, my grandmother set out on a mission to recreate the squares herself. She spent hours in the kitchen, experimenting with different ingredients until she finally came up with her own version of the recipe."

Aunt Clara's grandmother passed down the recipe to her, and she had been making Honey Bran Squares ever since. As we pulled the warm squares out of the oven and let them cool on the countertop, I couldn't wait to taste them.

The squares were a perfect balance of sweet and nutty, with a hint of cinnamon that added warmth to each bite. The honey gave them a sticky sweetness that lingered on my lips, making me crave more with each bite.

As I savored the last crumbs of my Honey Bran Square, Aunt Clara smiled at me, a twinkle in her eye.

"There's something magical about recipes passed down through generations," she said. "They carry with them the memories and love of those who came before us. And now, this recipe is a part of your story too."

And she was right. From that day on, Honey Bran Squares became a staple in my own kitchen, a reminder of the love and tradition that had been passed down to me. And every time I bake them, I think of Aunt Clara, her grandmother, and Mrs. Jenkins - three women who came together over a simple recipe and created a bond that would last for generations to come.