This recipe was born from the need to help my husband fuel his body for his chosen activity of CrossFit. He trains 5 days per week and needs an energy packed real food snack that is quick and portable. He can afford the high energy (calorie) content of these bars because of the high output from the gym. I feel good about him eating this inexpensive, nutrient and energy packed snack. Give this simple recipe a try:
2 cups almond, cashew, or sunbutter (store bought or make your own)
4 Tbsp Coconut oil
2 cups unsweetened applesauce
2 cups pumpkin seeds
2 cups hazelnuts
1/8 cup dried apricots
1/8 cup dried plums
1/8 cup dried figs
1/3 cup unsweetened, dried coconut flakes
Heat the nut or seed butter, coconut oil, and applesauce over medium low heat.
In a food processor, finely chop the pumpkin seeds, hazelnuts, apricots, plums, figs, and coconut flakes.
Put the nut, seed, fruit and coconut mixture in a large bowl and add the softened nut butter. Stir well to combine.
Pour the mixture into an 11 x 13 inch pyrex baking dish lined with parchment paper. Press into dish and smooth out the top.
Place dish in freezer over night, then slice into bars. This recipe makes 21 medium size bars. I wrap the bars in wax paper and put in a freezer bag.