Protein and Energy bars

I am experimenting with making gluten free granola bars for me, and protein bars for Nathan.  Protein bars are EXPENSIVE, Almost 3 bucks for one bar!  I decided to try my hand at whipping Nathan up a batch.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Protein Bars

- 4 scoops of peanut butter protein powder (or PB2)

- 4 scoops of Chocolate protein powder

- 1 cup of oats

-  1/3 cup of peanut butter

- 2 tbsp pure honey

- 1/2 cup of Almond milk

- 3 tbsp chia seeds

- 2 tbsp of ground flax

Simply mix everything together

The mixture was pretty sticky so I used a little coconut oil to spread in the glass baking dish to make sure that it didnt stick.

I popped the dish in the refrigerator for about an hour to hopefully harden up the bars (could also use the freezer for a quicker hardening).  The were still slightly sticky when I cut them, but they cut easily and came right out of the dish.  I wrapped them individually in wax paper so Nathan could easily grab one and go!

I am not a huge fan of protein powders and am attempting to stay all natural (or almost all natural!), so while my bars did not have as much protein they were still very filling!

I have been playing around with this very simple recipe, and don't remember exact measurements of course...

- 1 cup gluten free oats

- 1/2 cup of raw cashew butter

- 3-4 pitted Medjool Dates

- 2 tbsp pure honey

- 1 cup dried cherries

- 2 tbsp ground flax

- 2 tbsp chia seeds

Blend the oats in your blender until they make a fine powder.  Add the medjool dates (it is helpful if you cut them up a bit before adding), and the cherries (you could also use any other dried fruit).  Blend this mixture until the fruit pieces are diced and sticky.  Add the rest of the ingredients and pulse until everything is combined.  Grease the bottom of a glass 8x8 baking dish, spread the mixture and let it firm up in the refrigerator for about a half an hour.  Cut and wrap individually in wax paper.  Great to grab on the go!