recipe: ridiculously good homemade protein bars

These addictive energy bars are easy to make, easy to store and really easy to eat!  I love to eat one after a run or when I’m feeling a bit run down and need an energy boost.

My Recipe:

1 cup whole raw almonds

1 cup pitted dates

1 cup raisins

2 Tbsp. sunflower seeds

1 Tbsp. flax seeds                                                                                                                 

1 Tbsp. chia seeds

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. pure Vanilla Powder (I used Cook’s Vanilla Bean Extract)

1 scoop of high quality protein powder (I use Brad King’s Ultimate Vegan)

1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes 

Put all ingredients into a food processor and pulse until ingredients form into a ball (the dates hold everything together, so if you need to, add a bit more). Pour the mix onto parchment paper & pat down with your hands.

Refrigerate for 1-2 hours. Cut into squares, wrap in parchment paper and store in your refrigerator.  You can freeze them too.

Tip #1: Cut a small piece of parchment paper to help pat the mixture down with.  This will prevent mix from sticking to your hands.

TIP #2: Medjool dates are the best and easiest for removing the pits.

TIP #3: Experiment with different combinations like cranberries instead of raisins, or a combo of half sour cherries & half raisins. This time I used raisins and unsweetened bing cherries – delicious combo!

 Enjoy!