Lately, the term healthier is getting some attention because of how confusing it is to a lot of people. Generally, the way I define a product as being healthier than its original version is to say that it contains a nutrient-rich base, as opposed to being deficient of any nutritional value at all, without any added chemicals or artificial ingredients, while also retaining a less healthy component such as sugar, sodium or fat.
In simpler terms, healthier just means containing something good-for-you while still having an element that is not-so-great for your health if eaten in large quantities.
Let's break down this healthier recipe, comparing it to a traditional rice krispie treat as an example. Unlike puffed rice cereal, Kamut is a nutrient-dense whole grain, which I describe below in more detail. The nut (or seed) butter replacing the dairy butter, is protein rich with heart-healthy mono and polyunsaturated fats that provide the body with energy. Instead of gelatin and artificial ingredient filled marshmallows, brown rice syrup serves as both a sweetener and a binder. However, this syrup is essentially just glucose (sugar), meaning that it is not any healthier than table sugar, even though it is derived from brown rice. So why use it? Because it is a single ingredient product that produces a flavor and consistency much closer to a traditional rice krispie treat than any other plant-based item can provide. The vanilla in this recipe is also free of chemicals, additives or artificial ingredients.
What is kamut? It is an ancient form of wheat originally found in the Middle-Eastern region of Asia. Kamut is a registered trademark, therefore all products must satisfy a strict set of standards in order to be sold under that name. These include being organically grown, pure and uncontaminated by modern varieties of wheat, non-GMO and free of disease. Kamut must also contain 12-18% protein and 400-1000 ppb selenium. Finally, it must be marketed in a non-deceptive way, assuring the consumer that the product is the pure ancient variety. In addition to protein and selenium, Kamut contains the essential nutrients fiber, niacin, magnesium, manganese and B-vitamins. These are all nutrients that are not naturally produced by our bodies and are essential to our ability to function.
This recipe is as easy as the original rice krispies version. Just four to five ingredients. Same method: melt, mix, press and cool. But packed with whole grains and protein to keep you full and energized for hours.
In simpler terms, healthier just means containing something good-for-you while still having an element that is not-so-great for your health if eaten in large quantities.
Let's break down this healthier recipe, comparing it to a traditional rice krispie treat as an example. Unlike puffed rice cereal, Kamut is a nutrient-dense whole grain, which I describe below in more detail. The nut (or seed) butter replacing the dairy butter, is protein rich with heart-healthy mono and polyunsaturated fats that provide the body with energy. Instead of gelatin and artificial ingredient filled marshmallows, brown rice syrup serves as both a sweetener and a binder. However, this syrup is essentially just glucose (sugar), meaning that it is not any healthier than table sugar, even though it is derived from brown rice. So why use it? Because it is a single ingredient product that produces a flavor and consistency much closer to a traditional rice krispie treat than any other plant-based item can provide. The vanilla in this recipe is also free of chemicals, additives or artificial ingredients.
What is kamut? It is an ancient form of wheat originally found in the Middle-Eastern region of Asia. Kamut is a registered trademark, therefore all products must satisfy a strict set of standards in order to be sold under that name. These include being organically grown, pure and uncontaminated by modern varieties of wheat, non-GMO and free of disease. Kamut must also contain 12-18% protein and 400-1000 ppb selenium. Finally, it must be marketed in a non-deceptive way, assuring the consumer that the product is the pure ancient variety. In addition to protein and selenium, Kamut contains the essential nutrients fiber, niacin, magnesium, manganese and B-vitamins. These are all nutrients that are not naturally produced by our bodies and are essential to our ability to function.
This recipe is as easy as the original rice krispies version. Just four to five ingredients. Same method: melt, mix, press and cool. But packed with whole grains and protein to keep you full and energized for hours.
Ingredients:
1 cup brown rice syrup
1 cup unsweetened, unsalted almond, cashew, peanut or sunflower seed butter
1 teaspoon pure vanilla paste or extract
pinch of salt to taste, optional*
6 cups puffed kamut cereal
​Directions:
*Make in two separate batches.
Start out by heating water in a large double-boiler. Or improvise by placing a medium size metal mixing bowl over a pot of boiling water. Melt half of the the syrup in the boiler, then stir in half of the butter, vanilla and salt, if using. Gently fold 3 cups of the cereal into the mixture until coated.
Line an 8" cake pan with parchment paper. Pour the mixture into the pan and using a rubber spatula, press into an even layer. Repeat the same steps to make the second batch and firmly press it overtop of the first layer.
Allow to set in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Slice into bars or squares. Store at room temperature in mild-to-colder climates, refrigerate in warmer climates.
Yield: 8-10 servings
1 cup brown rice syrup
1 cup unsweetened, unsalted almond, cashew, peanut or sunflower seed butter
1 teaspoon pure vanilla paste or extract
pinch of salt to taste, optional*
6 cups puffed kamut cereal
​Directions:
*Make in two separate batches.
Start out by heating water in a large double-boiler. Or improvise by placing a medium size metal mixing bowl over a pot of boiling water. Melt half of the the syrup in the boiler, then stir in half of the butter, vanilla and salt, if using. Gently fold 3 cups of the cereal into the mixture until coated.
Line an 8" cake pan with parchment paper. Pour the mixture into the pan and using a rubber spatula, press into an even layer. Repeat the same steps to make the second batch and firmly press it overtop of the first layer.
Allow to set in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Slice into bars or squares. Store at room temperature in mild-to-colder climates, refrigerate in warmer climates.
Yield: 8-10 servings
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