Raw Chocolate Chia Energy Bars (Recipe)
The humble ancient chia seed is a powerhouse of nutrition all packed into one tiny little shell. If you are looking to boost your nutritional intake, then these are one amazing superfood to add to your diet. Not only are they a wonderful source of protein to help build beautiful hair, skin, nails and vitally important muscles and red blood cells; they also have a large range of essential and non essential amino acids and fiber that help promote healthy heart and circulation. Whole chia seeds add nutritional punch and crunch to these chocolate treats. Makes 8 bars
Ingredients
1 ½ cups pitted dates
1 cup raw cacao powder
1 cup whole chia seeds
½ tsp vanilla extract, optional
¼ tsp almond extract, optional
1 cup raw slivered almonds or raw shelled pistachios
Oat flour for dusting, optional
Method
Place dates in bowl of food processor; purée until thick paste forms. Add cocoa powder, chia seeds, and vanilla and almond extracts, if using. Pulse until all ingredients are combined. Add almonds; pulse until nuts are finely chopped and well distributed through date mixture.
Spread large sheet of wax paper on work surface, and dust with oat flour, if using. Transfer date mixture to wax paper, and use paper to press mixture into ½-inch-thick rectangle. Wrap tightly, and chill overnight.
Unwrap block, and cut into 8 bars. Dust edges and sides with oat flour, if using, to prevent sticking. Rewrap each bar in wax paper.
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