Pick Me Up Trail Mix Bars (No Bake)
An irresistibly gluten-free recipe that is versatile, super simple and no oven required for this tempting tasty treat. A perfect on-the-go snack to keep you energized with raw goodness. And believe me, it’s hard to resist just one. I need to lock them in the container- seriously. Thank goodness it’s good for you! The base of this recipe is certified gluten-free rolled oats, ground flax seeds, and raw nuts. You may use any variety from seeds to nuts and dried fruits. This time I decided to highlight the creamy richness of peanut butter in this treat since it’s such a household staple. Besides the delicious mix of dry ingredients of nuts and seeds, it’s paired with pure honey to form a chewy treat that will make you feel like you’re walking on clouds. Delightfully delicious!
This tasty treat has no cholesterol, low in sodium, and high in manganese and vitamin B6. Manganese plays an important role that is essential for proper and normal growth of bone structure. It monitors the activity of free radicals in the body that cause cancer and other diseases. This mineral controls sugar levels, regulates metabolism, prevents osteoporosis, helps with healthy function of thyroids, alleviates PMS symptoms and so much more. The top five benefits of vitamin B6 is that it will help maintain healthy brain function, a key role in fighting various diseases, assists normal nerve cell communication, helps form red blood cells and breaks down and digests proteins. The most common signs of vitamin B6 deficiency are a sore tongue, impaired nerves, irritability, convulsions, confusion, depression, arthritis, anemia and carpal tunnel syndrome.
SERVES: 16
INGREDIENTS:
1/2 cup almonds, raw
1/2 cup walnuts, raw
1 1/4 cup rolled oats, certified gluten-free
1/3 cup flaxseeds, ground
1/4 cup dark chocolate chips, organic
1/3 cup dried cranberries, unsweetened and organically grown
1/4 cup sunflower seeds, raw
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds, raw
1/3 cup raw honey
3/4 cup peanut butter, creamy and organic
INSTRUCTIONS:
Line a 8 x 8 baking dish with parchment paper. Set aside.
Combine the raw almonds and walnuts to blend in a food processor; about 8-10 seconds. If a little chunky that’s fine, adds character. In a large bowl, combine the remaining dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly and set aside.
In a small saucepan, low to medium heat, combine honey and peanut butter until warmed thoroughly. Remove from stove top and allow to cool for 3-5 minutes. Pour mixture over the dry ingredients in the bowl along with processed nuts. Blend well with either a spoon or hands.
Scoop mixture into prepared baking dish. Press firmly until surface is completely even. Pack tightly for even structure.
Place the bars into the refrigerator. Let cool for about one hour to fully set. Cut into 16 bars with a sharp knife. You may store them in the refrigerator for about two weeks, or room temperature for ten days. Enjoy!
NUTRITIONAL VALUE: calories 200; total fat 13.8; sodium 58mg; potassium 206mg; total carbohydrates 16.9g; dietary fiber 3.6g; sugars 8.9g; protein 7.5g; calcium 2%; vitamin C 1%; iron 14%.