Quick Homemade Protein Bars

These bars are delicious...Josiah thinks he's eating a brownie! Recipe courtesy of my friend, Jen Halfpap.

1 cup honey (can use less, but I think they dry out a little with less)
1 cup peanut butter
2 cup quick oats
1 cup ground flaxseed
1 cup protein powder
1 cup dark chocolate chips

Heat peanut butter and honey on stovetop until mixed together. Add dry ingredients into honey mixture. Pour into 9x13 pan, press down firmly. Store in fridge.

Homemade Larabars

My friend, Jen, introduced me to Larabars when I was pregnant with Josiah. They are basically made up of pureed dates, nuts and a few additional mix-ins. They are delicious, but rather pricey. I found this recipe online and have adapted it to become my own.

Homemade Larabars
makes 4 bars
4 Tablespoon dates, pureed
3 Tablespoons crushed almonds
2 Tablespoons shredded unsweetened coconut
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg

Pit dates and puree in food processor until they become a sticky mass. Add dry ingredients and mix together with hands. Place mixture on a piece of wax paper, cover with another piece of wax paper, and mash down into a square using hands or back of cutting board or other flat object. Cut into squares and store in fridge.

Recipe adapted from www.passionatehomemaking.com

Homemade Protein Bars

When I was pregnant with Caitlyn I LIVED on these bars. I was working out a lot and burning a lot of calories, and my body just craved them. I still enjoy one almost every afternoon for a little pick-me-up. My husband likes to eat one with a banana for a post-workout breakfast. My 3-year-old, Josiah, enjoys one crumbled with rice chex for breakfast. A great way to get a child to eat protein...yummy too:-)

1 cup dates, chopped (or dried fruit of your choice)
¾ cup orange juice (or juice of your choice)
½ cup honey
½ cup coconut oil (can use olive oil)
¾ cup peanut butter
3 cups protein powder (I like chocolate-peanut-butter)
1 ½ cups oatmeal
1 cup nuts (I crush mine for a smoother consistency)
1 ½ cups chocolate chips
2 cups raw, unsweetened coconut
½ cup ground flaxseed

• Grease two 9x13 pans
• Simmer dates and juice until combined
• Add honey, oil and pb and incorporate into a warm syrup
• Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl
• Pour warm liquid over dry ingredients and mix until combined (you will need to use your hands)
• Press into pans and store in fridge