Here's another healthy treat! Inspired by LARABARS (so good!) I have been making my own date bars since last summer. Last weekend I decided to concoct a new recipe, this one using apples. The end result is a bar that is yummy, comforting, healthy, and easy to store. They can be wrapped individually and stored in an airtight container in the freezer. I enjoy them straight from the freezer, as the chewiness remains.
Healthy Apple Date Bars
2 cups of dates soaked in water for 20 minutes
5-6 apples (I used Cortland) cut and steamed for 8-10 minutes
2 cups walnuts
1 1/2 tablespoon of natural vanilla extract
1/3 cup chia seeds
1 teaspoon nutmeg
3 teaspoons cinnamon
3 tablespoons psyllium husk
2 tablespoons ground flax
1/3 cup almonds chopped in half (raw)
3 tablespoons sunflower seeds (raw, hulled)
**If you want a "heartier" and thicker bar, you can experiment and add flours.
***This recipe can be easily adapted to fit your needs and what you have on hand for ingredients.
1. Mix the dates, walnuts, apples (they don't have to cool), walnuts, vanilla, chia seeds, nutmeg, and cinnamon in a food processor. Process until smooth. Add liquid (such as the soak water from the dates) as needed.
2. Transfer the mixture to a bowl (medium to large) and add in the rest of the ingredients, mixing well.
3. Let the mixture stand about 10-15 minutes to allow the chia seeds and psyllium husk to "gel."
4. Shape into bars with wet hands on cookie sheets lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake at 170 degrees for 3 hours, flip, and bake for another hour. OR, use a food dehydrator, which would be a better option in the summer.
6. Let cool, wrap individually (I use plastic cling wrap), and store in an airtight container in the freezer.
7. ENJOY.
