RAW Energy Bar
This weekend, on my regular trek to Whole Foods, while in the bulk food area, my son happened to spy something called Raw Cacao Goji Bars. They looked pretty interesting, and the fact that my son was pointing out something that was of interest to him and I saw the words "cacao" and "goji" I decided to get a few to try. Normally, I do not stray too far from my list. This can be a dangerous thing to do in Whole Foods, as you may already be aware. But these bars were THE BOMB! Jack loved them. I loved them. But, as per my usual mode of operation, I began to wonder if I could make them at home for LESS.
Now, when I attempted to go about making my creation, I actually did not have any GOJI berries in house. :( Pretty rare for us actually. I was not deterred. I was bound and determined I was going to come up with something incredible.
It is my guess that while RAW, the bars at Whole Foods have gone through a dehydrator - something that I am not in possession of. I looked up a few recipes and saw several BAKED versions. I saw several mix and chill versions. Based on what I had on hand, this is what I created - and they are THE BOMB!
I give you my bars!
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup raw organic pumpkin seeds
1 cup unsweetened raw organic shredded coconut
1 cup Walnuts
3/4 cup Raisins
1/2 cup Craisins
1/2 cup Flax seeds
1/4 cup Chia seeds
10 Medjool dates, pitted
1/2 cup raw Cacao nibs
1 tsp. Almond extract
6 TBS. Raw Organic Coconut Oil
2 TBS. Bee Pollen
2 TBS. Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate
DIRECTIONS:
In a food processor combine the first 7 ingredients. Pulse until fine, but still slightly chunky. You certainly do not want a pumpkin seed, coconut, walnut, raisin, craisin, flax seed, chia seed FLOUR.
Pour mixture into a medium mixing bowl.
Combine the next 6 ingredients in your food processor and process until very well incorporated, "liquidy" and dates chopped up very fine.
Pour this LIQUID mixture into your dry and mix VERY WELL.
Pour mixture into an 8X8 glass dish and using a spatula, or your hand, mash and pack in very flat and tight. Cover and refrigerate. Keep in the frig.
These bars are crumbly as there isn't a whole lot there to keep them together. Once the oil chills, it helps to hold them together somewhat - but - just be warned.
They are delicious.
