Peanut Butter and Molasses Hot Cereal

When I subbed blackstrap molasses for the usual dates in my chocolate peanut butter smoothie the other morning, I discovered that I quite like the combined complexity of deep, rich molasses and the smooth taste of peanut butter.

Because of the nutritarian focus on making calories count, I'm always on the hunt for natural, health-promoting sweeteners. I purchased molasses for a couple queued recipes and decided to see how this dark, mysterious liquid stacked up against my other pro-health go-to's (dates/paste, honey, maple syrup, etc.)

It didn't take long to discover that molasses actually carries quite a nutritional punch! This dense, thick remnant from the refining process of cane sugar offers a good dose of calcium, manganese, iron and much more. (Actually, some people use molasses and water as a tonic for anemia!)

Here, check it out for yourself:

WHFoods: Blackstrap Molasses

What You Should Know About Unsulphured Blackstrap Molasses

Sweetener Comparisons

The other morning I thought I would try another way to combine these two flavorful friends: in my hot cereal!

Ingredients:
1/3 cup hot cereal (I used Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free version)
1 cup (or more) water
1 tbsp natural peanut butter
1 tbsp unsulphured blackstrap molasses (or to taste)
Pinch of salt
Splash of nondairy milk
1 tbsp ground flax seed
Banana slices

Directions:
In medium pot, combine cereal, water, and salt (if using) and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium/low and cover. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until water is absorbed and cereal reaches desired consistency. (May need to add more water if still aldente). When cereal is done, turn off heat but leave pan on burner. Add peanut butter and molasses and stir until melted in. Pour into bowl and top with ground flax seeds and banana slices. Add as much nondairy milk as desired.

I didn't add any salt to mine, but could tell that the flavors were hard to discern without it.  Adding more peanut butter or molasses would also boost the flavor profile, too.

Enjoy!