These are great after a workout — or with a cup of tea in the morning.  I discovered these protein-rich bars in my brief stint as a vegan when I was desperately seeking new vegan-friendly sources of protein.  And it turns out that they taste good too — I haven’t found anyone who doesn’t like them (well, they haven’t told me anyways). Easy to make but you will need a food processor. Best kept refrigerated and eaten cold. Makes about 25 bars.

protein bars

Ingredients:

  1. 2 C almonds
  2. 1/2 C. ground flax seed
  3. 1/2 C. dried fruit (e.g. raisins, apricots or prunes)
  4. 1/2 C unsweetened shredded coconut
  5. 1/2 C. peanut butter (or almond butter)
  6. 1/2 tsp. salt
  7. 1/2 C. coconut oil
  8. 1 T. maple syrup
  9. 3 tsp. vanilla
  10. 1/3 C. cocoa powder (optional)

Directions:

  • Place first 6 ingredients in food processor and blend until an even but coarse mixture
  • In a large pot, melt the coconut oil over low heat, then add in vanilla and maple syrup
  • Pour in the nut mixture and cocoa powder, and stir to blend
  • Press into an 8xx pan and chill until firm (about an hour)
  • Once firm, cut into small squares.  Place in sealed container and keep refrigerated.

Lessons Learned/Advice:

  • Almond butter  can be substituted for peanut butter  — it’s all about the flavor. I prefer peanut butter, but Bobby likes almond butter (so of course, I usually make them with almond butter)
  • I use raw, organic sprouted almonds – I’ve heard these are the best for you.
  • Without the cocoa powder, these bars have a stronger nut flavor. If I’m not adding cocoa, I  use peanut butter because flavor is more complex
  • My go-to dried fruit is raisins. For a tarter flavor, try apricots.
  • The original recipe suggested an option to spread melted chocolate on top of the hardened bars. Sounds delicious but I haven’t tried it yet; as they are, I can sort of call them “health food” although maybe a little dark chocolate would be good!  Next time.

Credits:

All credit goes to another blogger — LiveLoveLaugh at wordpress — but the site is no longer public.  So, with my thanks to this anonymous blogger for one of my favorite sweet protein snack.

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