FIG AND CACAO ENERGY BARS

Enery bars are something that have become so popular over the years. My mom always handed me a banana, rather than an energy bar, but when I was an athlete in high school, sometimes that's all I had time to eat before my race! I'm not sure why they're called energy bars, as anything that contains so much sugar tends to result in a crash. They definitely shouldn't be considered a substantial meal replacement, nor something that's really good for you, unless it actually is. Most of the bars you find on supermarket shelves today are full of sugar, preservatives and additives. Now, many companies are making delicious bars that are taking the healthy route, but I wanted to try making them at home. 

Whenever my husband has a golf game, he always snacks on a bar during the game. Sometimes even two. As it's my job to keep him as healthy as I can, I decided to bake some over the weekend as he had a two-day golf tournament. They were perfect. The great thing about this recipe is that you can add whatever you really like inside, nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and they will come out delicious!

Husband approved.

Ingredients:

2 cup gluten free oats

10 dried figs, chopped

3 tbsp coconut oil

4 tbsp chia seeds + 16 tbsp water (chia eggs)

2 tbsp cinnamon

1 tsp maca powder

1 tsp raw cacao

1/2 cup raw cacao nibs

1/2 cup slivered almonds

1/2 cup raisins

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400F. Mix the chia seeds and water to create the chia eggs. Set aside. Chop the figs into tiny pieces. In a large bowl, mix oats, figs, coconut oil, cinnamon, maca, raw cacao, nibs, slivered almonds and raisins. Mix well. Once the chia gel has formed, mix that in. Line a baking tray or grease it with some coconut oil. Pour the granola mix and spread it eveny. Bake for about 35-40 minutes, until they turn golden brown. Let cool, slice, and serve!

Stores for about 3 days in an air-tight container.