Goji Berry & Cashew Energy Bars
I know a lot of us grew up hearing and thinking that carbs are bad for you.. when in reality our bodies need carbohydrates to function properly. It is the body’s most important form of fuel! There are two different types of carbohydrates, complex and simple. Simple carb (candy, soft drinks, table sugar, corn syrup) consumption quickly enters the bloodstream, provides short-term energy, and spikes blood glucose. In contrast, complex carbs (sweet potatoes, whole grains, quinoa) enter the bloodstream at a slower rate providing long-term energy for our bodies. This recipe encompasses adequate carbohydrate needs for midday “pick me up” when you feel like using more energy. I included ingredients that are packed with monounsaturated fats that can contribute to heart health, rich in nutrients like iron, magnesium, zinc, protein, fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins and minerals. This recipe is gluten-free, grain-free, and vegan.
Goji Berry & Cashew Energy Bars
Yield: 12 round bars
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: <45 minutes
1 c packed pitted organic dates
2 c rolled oats gluten-free
4 tbsp cassava flour
6 tbsp organic creamy cashew butter
4 tbsp nondairy milk
1/4 tsp coarse sea salt
1/2 c roasted or raw chopped cashews
4 tbsp goji berries (dried)
Instructions
Grease muffin tray
Soak dates in hot (not boiling) water for 10 minutes and then drain.
In a blender or food processor, process the oats into fine flour. Add the drained dates; process until blended. Then add the cassava flour, nut butter, milk, and salt; process until a dough forms. You might have to use a rubber spatula to push ingredients down the side to ensure a thorough mix.
Remove the dough from the processor and divide it into enough pieces to fit in your muffin tin. Roll each piece into a ball mixing in the goji berries and cashews. Refrigerate 30+ minutes until firm then you can remove from tin.
Store up to 2 weeks in the fridge or 2 months in the freezer
