I am having one of those days. Actually, I think it has been one of those months! Things just aren’t falling into place, and it has been a little rough around here!
I managed to burn what I was cooking in the oven, forget half the ingredients in a recipe I make ALL the time, and Sammy is staring at me like what is your problem lady???
Personally, I think Sammy’s problem is that he misses summer. He wants it to be sunny and warm so he can sit in a sunbeam. He keeps staring at the door like he wants to go outside, and I keep trying to tell him it is freezing out there! Not I’m-a-5-pound-dog-and-I-want-to-sun-bathe weather!
Today I made some protein bars. I really never have been into the bars you can buy in the store. I would rather not eat them, then buy them in the store. However, I do like to keep these in the freezer for a quick snack, or after working out!
Homemade Protein Bars
Print this recipe!
2 cups raw almonds
1/2 cup hemp seeds (or ground flax seeds)
1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1/2 cup almond butter (or peanut butter or any kind of nut butter)
1/2 cup coconut oil
1/4 cup honey
Since I didn’t have any nut butter on hand, I decided to make it myself. I just took 2 cups of almonds in the food processor, and processed until it turns into a spreadable consistency!
I used the same food processor to make the bars. First, place the almonds in the food processor and process until they are broken into small pieces, but not totally crumbled. I like a little crunch in my bars!
Add in the rest of the ingredients, and process until the dough is sticky enough to stick together.
Place in an 8×8 baking dish and press down into the pan.
Place in the fridge about 30 minutes or until firm. Cut into bars.
I like to wrap them either in plastic or in a sealable container and place in the freezer. I also have cut them into shapes with cookie cutters to make them look a little fun! The left over “scrap” from cutting them in shapes are good for rolling into balls for a super quick snack!
There are endless options – you could add dried fruit, chocolate chips, cacoa nibs, cocoa powder, extra nuts, dates to make them a little more like a Larabar … etc. Use your imagination!
Good MOrning Jane!
I do hear quite a bit from people I know here that came from states that are cold, very cold during these months talk about how this kind of weather change also put a damper on their emotions.
I do hope that this month starts to turn around for you
But for me, even as some Floridians do experience lower emotions in our winter (which that kind of weather is sparce here), I on the other hand struggle with summer -which is long and ever so hot!
The protien bars look so good and I know have to be so much better health wise than those store bought. I’m guessing a good protein snack is good for the lacking energy during this weather time for you.
Blessings to you Jane & to Sammy … hope he gets a good sun beam soon to rest in!!
~Deanna
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Thank you Deanna. Actually, Colorado is one of the states with the most sunshine! I do love living here! I’ve just had it a bit rough recently
mmm… do you think these will work if I use less oil? I’m trying to lower my oil intake.
And poor Sammy. Does he have a sweater to keep him warm?
Yes, he has sweaters, blankets, you name it! The coconut oil really helps hold them together. I’m sure you could reduce it though! You may need to add more sweetener or nut butter.. In fact, I made a batch that I only put in a few tbsp of coconut oil. They were a little crumbly, but once I put them in the freezer, they did hold together.
It seems to be an easy recipe. Love the ingredients & easy to make procedure. I am going to try this for sure. Let’s hope for the best.
Feeling pity for Sammy!!
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These look wonderful! I hope they turn your day around
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I’m sorry things have been rough for you! I’ll be praying that things turn around for you here really soon!!
I have been loving hemp seeds, so these are perfect!
Brittany (Delights and Delectables) recently posted..Coco-Nut No Bake Cookies
Well, I have to agree, Sammy does look concerned.
I would trust these protein bars over any available for purchase.
Lea Ann recently posted..Easy Sausage Shrimp Gumbo
Mmmmm these look yummy!
Thanks
I need to make some more before I leave on my trip!
I’ve never made my own protein bars either, but you sure make it look easy. Will have to try this! Have a great weekend and stay warm!
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Even though my dogs are 82 lbs. and 112 lbs. they too miss lounging in the sun. (I do too
). Your bars look so easy and healthy, what a great recipe! Thanks for sharing.
haha, it must be something all dogs love! But cats too … so I guess we all like a little sun now and then! It is just so funny cause he will find any little spot of sun he can and just lay there
I always thought it was because he has a little Mexican in him 