THE BEST SUPERFOOD POWER BAR

Why buy a packaged processed granola bar when you can easily make it yourself and will taste so much better?

Towards the end of our afternoon especially at work, my husband and I are in need of a snack. Traditionally at around 4PM in Germany, it’s time for a cup of coffee and a slice of cake. Though we love to indulge on sweets, this is something we save it for on weekends.. So, I’m always looking for ways to make healthy snacks which will get me through the late afternoon until dinner without having any sugar highs or dips yet satisfying my sweet cravings. .

This recipe is by far one of my favourite protein power bar filled with nuts and seeds that are naturally sweetened using only dates. It’s truly a superfood snack that will satisfy your sweet tooth and hunger. Plus, since it is packed with nutrients and protein, you won’t experience any sugar rushes and dips.

What are superfoods?

Superfood is a term coined for food that is rich in compounds (such as antioxidants, fiber, or fatty acids) with exceptional nutrient density and considered to have health benefits. Some common examples of superfoods that you are already probably eating on a daily basis are; dark green leafy vegetables, berries, nuts and seeds, ginger, salmon - and many more.

Benefits of nuts

• most nuts have high monounsaturated fats which help lower your LDL (bad) cholesterol level. Walnuts especially have polyunsaturated fats which include omega-3 and omega-6 fats. The body needs these essential fatty acids for brain function and cell growth. As our bodies do not make essential fatty acids, you can only get them from food. So, keep eating those nuts!

• good sources of protein especially for vegetarians. Some nuts are also high in amino acid arginine, which keeps blood vessels healthy

• high in fibre

• rich in phytochemicals that act as antioxidants

• rich in vitamins E, B6, niacin and folate which provide minerals such as magnesium, zinc, plant iron, calcium, copper, selenium, phosphorus and potassium

Benefits of seeds

• Similar to nuts, most seeds are rich in protein, healthy fats, fibre, minerals such as magnesium, potassium, calcium, plant iron and zinc, and contain vitamins B1,B2, B3 and vitamin E

Trust me, this nut/granola/protein bar is tastes amazing and also will make you feel great! Definitely so worth your 30-minute of your precious time to make it!

I hope you enjoy!

-Ari Yori

THE BEST SUPERFOOD POWER BAR RECIPE

prep time: 20 minutes

bake time: 12-15 minutes minutes

portion: 20-25 bars

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INGREDIENTS

1/4 cup almonds, chopped

1/4 cup walnuts, chopped

1/4 cup oat flakes

1/4 cup sunflower seeds

1/4 cup pumpkin seeds

1/4 cup chia seeds

1/4 cup flaxseed

Or, feel free to use 1 3/4 cups of any nuts & seeds of your choice.

1/3 cup coconut oil, melted (measure it melted not its solid form)

15-18 soft & plump medjool dates, pitted and chopped (if your dates are hard and dry, put it into the a food processor or into a blender to get them into a stickier consistency)

3-4 tbsp coconut flakes

large pinch of salt

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F/175°C.

2. In a medium sized bowl, combine all ingredients together except for the dates. Mix well until it’s evenly combined. Place the mixture onto a baking tray covered with parchment paper. Spread it out evenly.

3. Roast in the oven for 12-15 minutes until the nuts and seeds turn golden brown. At this time, your kitchen will be filled with aroma of roasted nuts and coconut. Take it out of the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes.

4. Place the roasted nuts and seeds back into the bowl and add the chopped dates. Dates will work as a glue in moulding all the ingredients. Mix until it holds itself together. If you find that the crumbs are not sticking to each other and too crumbly, then add couple of more dates. If your dates are too hard and dry, it will be much more difficult to break down the dates to make it sticky. Then you can put the dates into the food processor and blend it to break it down into a sticker consistency.

5. Place the mixture into a baking form covered with parchment paper. Press down the nut date mixture with the back of the spoon so it creates a smooth flat surface. Sprinkle coconut flakes on top then gently press it down with the spoon again so it sticks onto the surface.

6. Place it into the freezer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour or into the fridge for at least 1.5 hours for the bar to harden and maintain its form.

7. Using a sharp knife, cut into your desired bar size and store it in an airtight container for a week in the fridge.