Green Recipe: Energy Boost Protein Bar

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup (185 mL) sesame seeds
• 1/2 cup (125 mL) filtered water
• 1 cup (250 mL) figs, chopped
• 1/4 cup (60 mL) honey or rice syrup
• 1/2 cup (125 mL) brazil nuts
• 3/4 cup (185 mL) walnuts
• 1/4 cup (60 mL) hemp or flax protein powder
• 1/2 tbsp (7.5 mL) pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 tbsp (7.5 mL) cinnamon
• 3/4 cup (185 mL) pumpkin seeds
• 1/4 tsp (1 mL) grey sea salt or pink rock salt (optional)

Instructions

1. Soak sesame seeds in water for 2-4 hours.
2. Blend the sesame seeds and figs in food processor with the S-blade, then add sweetener and the remaining ingredients, mixing well until blended but chunky.
3. Evenly roll out the mixture onto parchment-lined dehydrator trays (or cookie tray if using an oven) to 1/2 inch (1 cm) thickness.
4. Dehydrate for 3 hours at 150°F (65°C) and then reduce heat to 115°F (45°C) for 3 more hours. If using an oven, bake at 150°F (65°C) for 2 hours. Be very careful not to overcook the seeds, or the nutritional value of the essential fats will be lost.
5. Cool completely and cut into bars (with the paper left underneath for support) with a clean pair of kitchen scissors.
6. Wrap bars individually or place them in a cookie tin and store in the fridge.
Note:
7. If you have a 12 cup food processor, you can double the recipe to increase the number of bars. Just ensure the ingredients are well mixed but have a chunky consistency.