Ex”Seed” Your Expectations Energy Bars

Ingredients
 

1 1/2 cups GF rolled oats

1/2 cup raw nuts of your choice (almonds, pecans and walnuts or a mix are delicious!)

1 super packed cup medjool dates, pitted (make sure! no one wants a broken tooth!)

2 tbsp chia seeds

2 tbsp sunflower seeds (roasted or raw)

2 tbsp flax seeds (ground or whole)

2 tbsp hemp seeds

1/4 cup liquid sweetener (agave, maple syrup or honey)

1/4 cup creamy salted natural peanut butter or almond butter

Optional Additions: 

Chocolate chips, dried fruit, other nuts, different seeds, etc.

Instructions

• Toast your oats and nuts in a 350-degree  oven for 13-15 minutes or until slightly golden brown.

• Process dates in a food processor until small bits remain… It should form a “dough” like consistency, and all ball up together

• Place oats, nuts and dates in a large mixing bowl. Add seeds and set aside.

• Warm sweetener and peanut or almond butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir and pour over oat mixture and then mix, breaking up the dates to disperse throughout. Use a spoon or your hands to thoroughly mix. Hands are much easier!

• Transfer to an 8×8 dish or other small pan lined with plastic wrap or parchment paper so they lift out easily. 

• Cover with parchment or plastic wrap and press down with something flat, such as a book, to get them really packed tight. This will help them from being crumbly. Chill in the fridge or freezer for 15-20 minutes to harden.

• Remove bars from dish and chop into even bars. Store in an airtight container for up to a few days. They won’t last very long!

• Notes*If your dates don’t feel sticky and moist, soak them in hot water for 10 minutes then drain before processing. This will help hold the bars together better