DIY Chocolate-Nutty Raw Bars

These bars are simply delicious, raw, healthy and protein-packed.   I like to make a batch on Sunday, and then I get 8 on-the-go breakfast/snack bars for the week with NO preservatives or junk.  They're all-natural, nutty delicious goodness, just the way I like.   They're kinda like Larabars, without the high price tag, and with even more goodness inside.

Behold.....

Ingredients:

1 c dates 1 c almonds 2 T flax seeds 3 T coconut flakes 1/4 c pepitas 2 T cacao powder 6 T tahini 1 T raw honey 1/4 c rolled oats 1/4 tsp vanilla extract 1/2 tsp cinnamon 1/4 tsp sea salt 1 T sesame seeds

1/2 T bee pollen (optional...but I love the crunchy b-vitamin rich addition!)

1 T cacao nibs (optional)

Soak the flax seeds in an equal amount of water for about 5 minutes while gathering the rest of the ingredients together. In a food processor, combine first the nuts and the dates and pulse until a rough chop. Then add everything else in. Pulse and then blend until a nice consistency. I like to let it go for a couple minutes. Grab a pinch of the mixture and see if it's nice and sticky. If it's not, just blend a bit more.

I like to press into a 8x8 pyrex baking dish. Press with clean hands until level and evenly distributed. Cover and let chill for 1 hour or so. Then, cut into 8 or 9 bars. Wrap individually and keep in the fridge. They would technically last for quite a long time, I'd imagine since all ingredients are fairly dry. In my home though, they don't last longer than a week. :)

Per bar:

288 cal 17 g fat 39.6 g sodium 30 g carbs 7 g fiber 17 g sugar 8 g protein

Scottish Oatmeal with Blueberries, Raw Sunflower Seeds & Maple Syrup

This is one of my favorite breakfasts, especially on a chilly morning.  It's filling, nutritious and so yummy.  Using whole organic oats and natural ingredients here is key.  When you see "quick" or "instant" oats, it means that the grain has been processed, removing the germ and bran which contain the nutrients and fiber.  Also - most table syrup brands like Aunt Jemima, Mrs. Butterworth's etc. use corn syrup and little to no actual maple syrup.  Enjoy your "complete" whole food breakfast! ;)

Scottish Oatmeal with Blueberries, Raw Sunflower Seeds & Maple Syrup

(Makes 4 servings)

Ingredients:

1 c scottish oatmeal (or any kind of WHOLE oats)

1 c  organic blueberries (fresh are best, but frozen work in a pinch)

1/2 c raw sunflower seeds 

2 tsp ghee (or sub real butter or coconut oil)

1/4 tsp sea salt

100% real maple syrup to drizzle (optional)

Directions:

Prepare oatmeal to package instructions.  Near the end of the cooking process (1-2 minutes left), stir in the ghee or coconut oil.  Top with blueberries, sunflower seeds and a light drizzle of maple syrup and serve immediately.