Spring is officially here, which means that the return of our favorite pollinator friends to gardens, orchards, groves, bogs, and fields are not far behind. Last week we talked all about the uniquely important role honey bees play as stewards of our global food supply, And this week we are coming back at you with news of an exciting partnership and a fresh pollinator-inspired recipe!
Since many of the ingredients that contribute to a balanced and healthy diet wouldn’t be possible without honey bees - including foods like fruits, vegetables and nuts – we are excited to partner with nutrition and fitness expert Mitzi Dulan, RD, CSSD, America’s Nutrition Expert® on some new honey recipes that focus on whole food nutrition and highlight honey bee-pollinated ingredients.
From morning to night, there is not a meal that is not impacted by the work of honey bees – from granola on yogurt at breakfast, to fruit on ice cream for dessert, the fruits of these pollinators’ labor span your entire menu. In honor of National Nutrition Month, we are launching this partnership with these sweet and nutty Honey Coconut Macadamia Nut + Cherry Bars!
“Honey has been my go-to sweetener for many years, as it is an all-natural ingredient that is also good for the planet,” says Dulan. “For this recipe alone, [honey bees] pollinate macadamia nuts, cherries, and almonds while also benefiting coconuts.”
We hope that you enjoy this recipe just as much as we do, and be sure to check back each month as we share a new honey bee-inspired recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups - oats
- 1/2 cup - shredded coconut, unsweetened
- 1/3 cup - macadamia nuts, chopped
- 1/3 cup - dried tart cherries
- 1/3 cup - honey
- 3 T - almond butter
- 3 T - peanut butter
- nonstick spray
Directions:
Spray an 8x8 baking dish with nonstick spray.
In a bowl, combine the dry ingredients oats, coconut, nuts, and tart cherries. Add the honey, almond butter, and peanut butter and stir until well combined.
Press into the baking dish and chill for 3 hours.
Cut into bars and enjoy.
We want to hear from you. What are your favorite honey bee-pollinated ingredients to cook with? Tell us all about it in the comments below!