Meal Idea Monday - Homemade Snack Protein Bars

Homemade Snack Protein Bars



Ingredients*:
1 cup pitted whole dates or prunes for the base
1 cup dried fruit
1 cup nuts and seeds
2 scoops Shakeology (optional)
Optional flair 
 *see options below

Preparation:

Combine equal parts dates or prunes, dried fruits, nuts, and seeds in the bowl of a food processor.

Process for 1 to 2 minutes. Check to make sure all ingredients are breaking down into smaller pieces; scrape sides of bowl as needed. Process 2 to 3 minutes more until ingredients form tiny crumbs that come together into a loose ball.

Turn out the mixture onto a square of cellophane (or an 8" x 8" baking dish). Press into a flat disc.

Cover tightly and refrigerate one hour.

Cut into 12 bars. Store in the refrigerator.

Choose one or more from each:
 1 CUP BINDING FRUIT (these will give your bars the best texture)
    Dates
    Prunes 

 1 CUP DRIED FRUIT
    Dried apricots
    Dried figs
    Raisins
    Dried cranberries
    Dried blueberries
    Dried cherries

1 CUP RAW NUTS OR RAW SEEDS
    Flaxseeds
    Chia seeds
    Pepitas
    Sunflower seeds
    Almonds
    Walnuts
    Peanuts
    Cashews
    Sesame seeds
    Coconut

OPTIONAL 
    1/2 tsp. rum extract
    1/2 tsp. cinnamon
    1 Tbsp. honey
    1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
    1–2 oz. dark chocolate chips
    2 tsp. grated fresh ginger