Dates and cranberries make great friends. They contain minerals and molecules that your body loves. Dates have amazing amounts of potassium, which banishes the blues. Cranberries are full of nutrients that fight disease. Natural sugar in the dates plus fiber in the oats mean instant energy with benefits. These date and cranberry squares make a super healthy breakfast or snack choice with fuel that lasts. Best of all they taste DElicious, especially with a dab of vanilla yogurt.
Ingredients
½ bag (500 grams) pitted dates
1 bag (340 grams) fresh, frozen, or dried cranberries, rinsed and with stems removed
4 cups oatmeal
2 teaspoons cinnamon
¼ tsp salt
¼ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons sugar
Equipment
large saucepan with lid, large bowl, wooden spoon, measuring cups and spoons, 2 nine-inch square pans
Get ready…
1. Put the dates in the saucepan. If using dried cranberries, add them too. Then add boiling water – just enough to cover their tops. Let them soften for 10-15 minutes.
2. If using fresh cranberries, rinse and take off any stems, then add them after the dates have softened.
Get set…
1. Gently stir the fruit over medium heat until the dates and cranberries form a soft paste (about 5 minutes after they come to a boil). Do not overcook as you want to see the different fruit in your squares). Allow to cool for 30 minutes.
2. For the crust, measure the remaining ingredients and mix them together in the large bowl. Sprinkle one cup of the crust mix into each pan.
3. Add half the cooled fruit mix to each pan, slowly, as the mix is thick and gooey. Use the flat of a large spoon to flatten and spread the paste. Then top each pan with one more cup of the crust. Let cool completely, then put in the fridge.
Go…
Cut into squares and serve with your favorite low-fat yogurt (optional, but a tasty and protein-rich addition).
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Recipe adapted from one given to Vinny by France Laliberte. Thanks, France!
Mar 29, 2012 @ 13:48:27
This really is an amazingly delicious recipe, and easy too. If you aren’t used to dates, they can be a bit funny looking. But they are full of natural fruit sugar (in addition to vitamins and minerals), and you don’t have to add any other sugar at all!
Mar 29, 2012 @ 11:36:28
This recipe sounds really good. I personaly quite enjoy cranberries. I have them in my lunch almost everyday!!!! My Mum and I are always looking for new cranberry recipes. This will more than likrly be amazing!!!!!!