MIXED BAG CHOCOLATE WALNUT PROTEIN BARS

SERVES 8 BARS

3 tbsp peanut butter

3 tbsp maple syrup

1 1⁄2 tbsp coconut oil

1 tbsp ground chia seeds

1 1⁄4 cups quick-cooking oats

1⁄2 cup walnuts

1⁄2 cup dairy-free chocolate chips

1⁄3 cup coconut sugar

1⁄4 cup raw shelled hempseed

3 tbsp protein powder

1⁄2 tsp ground cinnamon

1⁄4 tsp salt

NUTRITIONAL VALUES

Calories: 379kcal
Fat: 22.2g (10.2g S.Fat)
Carbs: 30.3g
Protein: 17.1g
Sugar: 6.4g
Sodium: 133mg

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C, or gas mark 4).

Prepare an 8-inch square baking dish by lining the sides on two opposite ends with parchment paper. Just the sides, not the top. This facilitates removal.

In a small saucepan, combine the peanut butter, maple syrup, and coconut oil. Melt the peanut butter in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and set aside to cool for a few minutes.

Set aside the ground chia seeds and 3 tbsp water in a small bowl.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, walnuts, chocolate chips, sugar, hempseed, protein powder, cinnamon, and salt. Combine thoroughly. Mix the chia and peanut butter mixtures into the dry ingredients until well combined.

Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and press it down with your fingers to firm it up and press it into all corners.

30–35 minutes in the oven Don't overbake the bars because they will harden as they cool.

Allow to cool on a wire rack. Grab the extra parchment paper on the opposite ends of the dish and lift to remove. Place on a cutting board and slice into 2 inch wide bars, then in half at 4 inches long.