I’m noticing that a lot of houses in my Nutley, Jersey neighborhood are still keeping their Christmas lights on outside and on their trees in their living rooms. It seems they’re not ashamed of holding onto the symbols of merriment that the holiday season brings, past the actual holiday season. I remember back in the day growing up, most people, including my family, would be embarrassed to keep holiday decor up and lit well after the holidays. My have things changed!
Well if holding onto the holiday cheer is what’s motivating folks to keep their Christmas decor up, my question is, why do we have to wait until Christmas time to feel warm, fuzzy and joyful? We can have that all year long if we really want to.
I say let’s find ways to experience the warm + fuzzies throughout the year. For me, I’m thinking: More quality time with God. More quality time with family. Bringing food to friends who speak the Gift Giving or Acts of Service love languages. Sending greeting cards to people just because, even to co-workers. Okay, to co-workers might be a little weird, but a quick “nice job on that presentation” pat on the back would bring some cheer to work I’m sure. Who needs lights when we can be the lights!
This is a recipe that I put together over the holidays. It’s a hearty Workday Breakfast Bar. No need to spend almost five dollars on breakfast bars if you can make them at home yourself! Enjoy!
WORKDAY ENERGY BREAKFAST BAR
Ingredients
1/2 cup Dried Cranberries
1/2 cup Pumpkin Seeds
1/2 cup your choice of Trail Mix, gluten-free
1 cup Oats, instant and gluten-free
1 Banana, ripe
2 tsp. Cinnamon
1 tsp. Nutmeg
Instructions
In a mixing bowl, add all ingredients
Use gloves or bare hands and mix all ingredients together
Apply a light coat of oil to a rectangular or square baking sheet pan, so the bars don’t stick, or use parchment paper
Add granola mix to the baking sheet pan and smooth until about an inch high/thick and evenly leveled
Bake at 350 for about 15 to 20 minutes
Keep checking it so it doesn’t get too hard
When it bakes to an granola bar-like firmness, remove sheet pan from oven
Let cool, then begin to cut it into bars with a knife
Eat one immediately or pack them up for your ride into work!
