Start the Day with Honey Bunches of Oats Morning Energy {Review}

 

While there are a variety of words and phrases that could be used to describe me, "morning person" is not one of them.

Whether it's due to the way I'm edging dangerously close to middle-aged or just because I make some not-so-great choices when selecting what time I go to sleep (or a combination of the two), I just don't wake up the most cheerful, energized person.

Combine that with the way that I often get dragged from my dreams by the loudness of my kids (the sounds of them playing nicely together are often just as loud as the sounds of them fighting) and that the following hour is a blurry rush of making breakfast, packing lunches, combing hair, watching the clock, searching for one missing glove, and more, and it's just no wonder that I'd like to fast-forward until about 10am every day.

Needless to say, if someone tells me that they have a way to encourage starting the day off with a jump-start and a smile, I want to hear it. But then to add that it involves our family's absolute favorite cereal? Then of course I want to hear more about Honey Bunches of Oats' recent additions, the new Honey Bunches of Oats Morning Energy - Chocolately Almond Crunch and Honey Bunches of Oats Morning Energy - Cinnamon Crunch!

What started back with the original Honey Bunches of Oats in 1986, Post's collection of flavors has grown to now include 16 different varieties such as Strawberry, Vanilla Bunches, Cinnamon Bunches, Pecan Bunches, Greek Yogurt Crunch, Fruit Blends in Peach Raspberry and Banana Blueberry, and many more.

No matter what your preferences, there is a box that is sure to provide the crispy whole grain flakes and tasty, crunchy granola clusters with just a touch of honey that the whole family will enjoy! After all, who can resist the one-of-a-kind unmistakeable flavor that is provided?

So, as already-big fans of this cereal in our house, we were excited to hear that the two new Morning Energy flavors had joined the lineup!

Each serving of Honey Bunches of Oats Morning Energy - Chocolatey Almond Crunch is packed with whole grain, protein and fiber for a nutritious, wholesome cereal the entire family will love.

What other breakfast option do you know that combines crispy flakes, crunchy granola bunches and delicious chocolatey morsels while providing over ⅔ of the recommendation for whole grains for the day? You'll also start the morning with 6g of protein (10g of protein when combined with ½ cup of fat free milk!) and 5g of fiber.

And, if for some strange reason you're not happy with the taste of this delicious cereal as it comes out of the box...

...Post also has an amazing recipe for Morning Energy Mocha Balls that just might be the way to start of your morning with a burst of yum.

While we haven't yet tried these Mocha Balls, I just might be whipping up a batch once our Cinnamon Breakfast Squares with Yogurt and Berries are gone!

I had to act quickly to make these bars, as my kids have been eating the Honey Bunches of Oats Morning Energy - Cinnamon Crunch by the bowlful every morning! I can't blame them with the way that the sweet, crunchy cinnamon clusters taste... and my encouragement to continue getting 33g of whole grain with each serving. Mmm!

However, these Cinnamon Breakfast Squares were extremely easy to make and we love the way that they are customizable with a variety of toppings depending on what we have on hand or individual moods.

Cinnamon Breakfast Squares with Yogurt and Berries

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

1 cup Honey Bunches of Oats Morning Energy Cinnamon Crunch cereal
⅓ cup whole wheat flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
3 Tablespoons sugar
½ teaspoon cinnamon
3 eggs
½ cup nonfat milk
2 Tablespoons melted butter, cooled
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 container (6 ounces) Greek yogurt
3 cups fresh berries (blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, strawberries) or favorite fruit of choice
Honey, for drizzling
Nutmeg or Cinnamon, for sprinkling

Directions

Heat oven to 425°. Lightly butter and flour an 8-inch square pan, or coat lightly with nonstick cooking spray.

In a mixing bowl, stir together the cereal, flour, baking powder, salt, sugar and cinnamon. While stirring, slightly crush the cereal using the back of the spoon or rubber scraper; set aside.

In another bowl, beat eggs until well blended. Add milk, melted butter and vanilla, and mix well. Combine egg mixture with flour mixture. Pour batter (it will be thin) into prepared baking pan. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until it is set when lightly touched in the middle. Remove from oven and set on wire rack to cool for 10 minutes.

To serve, cut into 6 equal-sized bars and place on serving plates. Top each square with a dollop of Greek yogurt, surround with fruit, and drizzle with honey. Sprinkle with nutmeg or cinnamon and serve immediately. Serves 6.

I cut our pan into 16 smaller squares instead and we have tried these bars with blackberries, blueberries, bananas, mangoes, regular and Greek yogurt, and more!

What a great way to start the day!

Even though Honey Bunches of Oats was already a staple in our household, I'm happy that we have welcomed yet another two versions into the rotation. I love knowing that I'm sending them off to school having eaten a filling breakfast and that their bellies are full of whole grains and protein!

When it comes to starting off the day in a healthy, delicious way, Honey Bunches of Oats has always been the first box that we reach for in the cupboard. Now that they have given us the ability to extend our breakfast love even further with these Honey Bunches of Oats Morning Energy options (as well as their many other great new varieties), we can have a different flavor every day of the week if we want to — if you haven't picked up one of their many boxes, try one today!

Find out more about the nutrition and varieties of Honey Bunches of Oats available by visiting HoneyBunchesOfOats.com and connecting with them on Twitter and Facebook.

Other than the Morning Energy pack of items that I was provided by Post in order to facilitate my review, I was not compensated or enticed to do this post in any way. This review is solely my honest opinion of these products.