“In a market as crowded, dynamic, and unregulated as health food and snacks, how do you know what’s really good?
Unfortunately . . . you don’t. Unless you follow it closely.
Bestowed is the creation of nationally recognized nutritionist and author Heather Bauer and is the answer to all those that have ever stood in the health food section of their local grocery store and said to themselves . . . “which one of these is really the best??” Each month, Heather and her team of health and diet experts carefully curate 5 product samples that have caught their attention. Items like nutrition bars, snacks, breakfast cereals, and supplements are just a few of the categories considered. Bestowed members receive these samples in a box delivered right to their door each month.”
I was so excited when the good people at Bestowed reached out to me. I consider myself to be fairly knowledgeable about many health food/all-natural brands and food but new ones come out all the time and like it’s stated above, it’s a little overwhelming when visiting the grocery store. I love what companies like Bestowed are doing. They are making it very easy for consumers to try different brands, foods, snacks and bars- brands and products that we might have never heard about or come across in the store. And they are delivering it right to your door. Could this be any easier and convenient?
I received this awesome box of goodies above and have enjoyed everything. I especially love granola and have been snacking on the Healthy Grains from KIND. I love this brand, company and their philosophy. Check them out! And because I love the Healthy Grains so much (I got Oats & Honey Clusters with whole grains: quinoa, oats, millet and buckwheat), I made these Blueberry and Blackberry Crumble Bars for you! Yes, I am calling these crumble bars. I added blueberries and blackberries for the kids. These are yummy and good for you! Well, kind of, right?
I hope you enjoy!
Blueberry Crumble Granola Bars
Equipment: 9x9 square baking dish. When preparing to cut the bars: You can even place the bars into the refrigerator to help them cool faster. After removing from the oven, I let the bars cool for about 20 minutes before placing them into the refrigerator. I left them in there for about an hour so cutting the bars would be easier.
Servings: 9
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter 1 stick; cut up into small pieces
- 1 egg
- about 1/4 teaspoon salt
- zest from one lemon
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- fresh lemon juice from 1/2 lemon
- about 2 cups fresh berries blueberries + blackberries
- 1/2 cup of your favorite granola
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a 9×9 inch square baking dish. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, stir together the sugar, flour, and baking powder. Mix in the salt and lemon zest. Using a pastry cutter, mix in the butter and egg. The dough should be crumbly. Press down half of the dough into the prepared pan.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the sugar, cornstarch and lemon juice. Gently fold in the berries. Pour the berry mixture evenly over the crust. Then, mix in the granola into the remaining crumbly dough. Crumble the remaining dough + granola over the blueberry/blackberry layer. It's ok if you have berries peeking out.
- Bake for about 45 minutes, or until the top is slightly golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool for about 20-30 minutes. Cool completely before cutting into squares.
Recipe adapted from Smitten Kitchen.
Bestowed Giveaway!
We’re giving away a FREE one-month subscription to Bestowed.com! So, one reader will receive one box of goodies from Bestowed. Remember, each month is different, so the winner will likely be receiving different products/food items than the ones shown above.
Good luck!
Giveaway ends on Wednesday, April 24, 2013. The winner will be selected by random.org and contacted via email. The winner will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen. This giveaway is open to US residents only.
Disclosure: This giveaway is sponsored by Bestowed.com. All opinions expressed here are my own.
