Homemade Energy Bars

By Maris Altieri RD, LMP Coordinator

It's cooking Thursday! Come join us in making homemade energy bars for part 3 of seed week. These family fun treats are protein-packed and filling, without the plastic packaging or added sugar. Enjoy!

Homemade Energy Bars

Prep time: 5 minutes   Cook time: 25 minutes  Serves: 10

Ingredients:

• 1 cup oats, uncooked
• 2 TBSP chia seeds
• ½ cup quinoa, uncooked
• 2 bananas
• ¼ cup almonds
• ¼ cup walnuts
• ¼ cup dried cranberries
• 3 dates
• ¼ cup peanut or almond butter
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Oil 8x8 inch baking pan.
2. Mash bananas and dates in separate bowls. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine, oats, quinoa, chia seeds, salt and cinnamon. Stir in mashed bananas and vanilla. Fold in almonds, walnuts, and dried cranberries.
4. Heat up peanut or almond butter and dates in microwave for 30 seconds. Fold into mixture.
5. Pour mixture in pan and press down firmly with measuring cup. Bake in oven for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Allow to cool completely before cutting into 10 bars. Stores in refrigerator for 1 week. Stores in freezer for 3 months.

Nutrition Facts: Calories: 185 kcal   Total fat: 8.3 g   Saturated fat: 1.2 g   Cholesterol: 0 mg   Sodium: 90 mg   Total carbohydrate: 23.2 g   Dietary fiber: 4.8 g   Total sugars: 5.9 g   Protein: 5.9 g

Click here for a seed yoga class and here for tips on seed starting.