*Energy Nut Bars

By MJH

These no bake, high-fiber, high-protein bars are a delicious snack and a snap to make! They are rich, so a little piece goes a long way.

Ingredients

• 2 cups raw almonds or 1 cup almonds
• 1 cup cashews or any nut mixture you prefer
• 1 ⁄2 cup ground chia or flax seeds (1⁄4 cup whole seed chia or flax equals 1⁄2 cup ground)
• 1 ⁄2 cup shredded unsweetened, unsulfured coconut and extra to press on top
• 1 ⁄2 cup unsalted almond butter
• 1 ⁄4 cup quinoa flakes, optional
• 1 ⁄2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 ⁄4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 ⁄2 cup virgin coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon organic vanilla flavor or vanilla extract
• 25 drops liquid stevia or powdered stevia to taste or
• 1/8 cup xylitol or more to taste

Details

Adapted from knowthecause.com

Preparation

Step 1

Place almonds, chia or flax, shredded coconut, almond butter, quinoa flakes, salt and cinnamon in a food processor
Pulse briefly, about 7 seconds, you want to keep it chunky
In a small sauce pan, melt coconut oil over very low heat, if it needs to be melted
Remove coconut oil from stove and add vanilla and stevia &/or xylitol into oil and stir well until dissolved and well combined.
Add coconut oil mixture to food processor and pulse until ingredients form a coarse paste
Use 2 pieces of parchment paper to crisscross the bottom of an 8 x 8 glass-baking dish.
Press nut mixture evenly into dish
Press extra shredded coconut onto the top of the bars if desired, optional
Or:
On the stovetop in a small saucepan melt an unsweetened chocolate bar and sweeten with stevia and vanilla to taste.