Summer Recipe Series // Energy Bars

It seems silly to spend time making a batch of protein bars, when countless varieties line store shelves, but more often than not, those store bought kinds are full of too much sugar, weird protein powders, and fake ingredients that don’t belong in any snack (or your belly). These protein bars required no baking, can be whipped up quickly, and store well in the fridge or freezer to grab on the quick when time is short.

Recipe // 

2 Tbsp coconut oil, melted 10 medjool dates, pitted 1 cup almond butter 1 orange (zest of full, juice of half) ¾ cup shredded unsweetened coconut ¼ cup goji berries ¼ cup pistachios ¼ cup cacao nibs 1/3 cup puffed quinoa (or millet)

1 // Line a 8 x 8 pan with parchment paper.

2 // To the bowl of a food processor add melted coconut oil, dates, almond butter, orange zest, orange juice, and coconut. Pulse until mixture comes together and holds its shape when pressed.

3 // Transfer contents to a mixing bowl and gently stir in (your hands are best) goji berries, cacao nibs, pistachios, and puffed millet.

4 // Press mixture into lined pan until firm. Refrigerate for at least four hours to set. Remove from pan and slice into individual bars.

5 // Bars can be wrapped individually and stored in an airtight container.

Makes 12 bars.

This recipe was brought to you in collaboration with Lynsey Loves Food, as part of a series featuring five of our favourite healthy summer recipes using seasonal ingredients that are available at your local market.

Photos: Jason Matos