Energy Bars (GF)
Ingredients
Ingredients:
½ cup Montana Gluten Free Oat Bran OR Cream of Oats
⅓ cup Montana Gluten Free Raw Oatmeal
1 tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp sea salt
1 cup walnuts
1 cup almonds
1 cup dried, unsulphured apricots, chopped
½ cup chocolate chips
⅓ cup honey
1 large egg
2 tbsp coconut oil, melted - plus some extra to grease the pan
1 ½ tsp vanilla
Directions
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350° F. Grease 9 inch square baking pan.
Place oat bran, cinnamon, and sea salt in the food processor and pulse until well mixed.
Add the walnuts, almonds, chopped apricots and raw oatmeal - pulse several times, until the nuts and apricots are in small chunks, but not completely ground. (not done in the food processor, so err on the side of caution and don't over chop)
Add the chocolate chips and pulse a few times, leaving large chunks.
In a large bowl, whisk together the honey, egg, melted coconut oil and vanilla - stir for one minute to be sure the ingredients are well mixed.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mash together with a fork or your hands.
Spread the mixture into the prepared pan. Cover with parchment paper and press and flatten evenly. Remove parchment paper.
Place pan on center rack of the oven and bake for 22 to 24 minutes - until golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let cool. Place the pan in the refrigerator to chill before cutting into bars. Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator, or wrap individually and freeze.
Additional information:
These bars are power-packed with nutrition and great for athletes. They are high in carbohydrates (great workout fuel), high in protein (for recovery) and super high in iron (thanks to the oat bran). The bars are also high in fat (another source of workout fuel), but the fat is from healthy sources, so don't fret! Because of the high fat content, they are not low calorie, but if you need a boost while hiking, biking, or during a mid-afternoon work slump - these power bars will serve you well.