Craving a guilt-free pick-me-up for those mid-morning slumps? I've got just the treat for you!
I love these bars topped with a little Homemade Sweet Cinnamon Almond Butter or with my afternoon Glorious Golden Milk (page 161 & page 192 of my Live Fit Kitchen Cookbook).
Not only is hemp protein a perfect balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that promote heart health, but it’s also high in GLA (gamma-linolenic acid), which is proven to naturally balance hormones.
I’m all for that!
YIELD: 24 bars
PREP TIME: 20 minutes
COOK TIME: 40 minutes
Ingredients
1 cup gluten-free old-fashioned oats
½ cup ground flaxseeds
½ cup chopped walnuts
¼ cup almond meal
¼ cup raw cacao nibs
¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
¼ cup hemp seeds
¼ cup chia seeds
¼ cup sesame seeds, toasted
2 tablespoons raw cacao powder
½ teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup pitted dates
1 cup water
2 tablespoons coconut oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons honey
Procedure
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, stir together the oats, flaxseeds, walnuts, almond meal, raw cacao nibs, coconut, hemp seeds, chia seeds, sesame seeds, raw cacao powder, and cinnamon.
3. Blend the dates with the water, coconut oil, vanilla, and honey in a food processor or high-speed blender till smooth.
4. In a large bowl, combine the dry and wet ingredients and stir till evenly mixed.
5. Spread the mixture in a 9-by-13-inch nonstick baking pan. Cut into 24 small squares.
6. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, until crispy.
7. Store bars in an airtight glass container for up to 1 week, or freeze for 2 to 3 months.
LIVE FIT KITCHEN COOKBOOK: 100 Simple, Delicious Recipes for Living Fit, Living Life, and Living Love
Get simple recipes (like the one above) and helpful tips to help you create delicious, healthy meals, no matter the occasion. Whether you're on a formal detox program or simply trying to eat more whole foods, these colorful and mostly plant-based recipes will keep your soul shining bright.