Author: Angela
Better Than Brownies (similar to Lära bars) – no bake
- 7-8 large pitted dates
- 3/4 cup walnuts, soaked in water for 4 hours
- 3/4 cup almond flour (almond meal)*
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon water
Toss dates, walnuts, and almond meal in a food processor, blend, and add in cocoa powder and maple syrup. Continue to process while adding water slowly. More water may be added until desired consistency is reached. Press mixture into a glass baking dish and refrigerate until firm. Cut brownies into squares and serve with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream. These brownies freeze well, so you can make them in advance, cut into individual servings and keep in the freezer for up to a month. (8 servings)
*If you can process almonds very fine, you’ll have almond meal. Otherwise buy it in the health food section of HEB Woodway.
Buddy Nut Squirrel Snack Balls
- 1 cup almond butter or peanut butter
- 1/4 cup real maple syrup or honey*
- 1/4 cup unsweetened, shredded coconut
- 2 tablespoons sunflower seeds, ground to meal if you can
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds or pepitas
- 1/2 cup sesame seeds
Optional add-ins or coatings:
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Mini chocolate chips
- Can use seeds as a coating also
Combine nut butter, honey, coconut, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and sesame seeds, and any additional add-ins in a large bowl. Mix well and refrigerate for 2-3 hours. After refrigerating, scoop a heaping teaspoonful of dough and roll into balls. Dip into mixtures of optional coatings or leave uncoated. Place on plate and cover with wax paper. Refrigerate another 2-3 hours before serving.
*Children under one year of age should not be given honey.
Build Your Own “Hit the Trail” Mix
Nuts provide a wonderful balance of protein, fat and nutrients. To get the most out of the mix, soaking the nuts will enhance their digestibility and increase the availability of vitamins and minerals. In addition, soaking adds a deep rich flavor.
Soaking Method:
Choose your favorite raw nuts, such as almonds, walnuts or hazelnuts. Place nuts in a bowl. Mix 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt with enough filtered water to cover nuts completely. Pour saltwater mixture over raw nuts and soak for about four hours. Rinse and drain nuts. Place nuts evenly on a cookie sheet or in an oven-safe pan. Slowly dry nuts for 8 hours at 170° F in the oven.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup flaked coconut (large flakes)
- 1 cup soaked almonds
- 1/2 cup soaked walnuts
- 1 cup soaked hazelnuts or pecans
- 1 cup dried unsweetened cherries
Combine trail mix ingredients and store in a large glass jar. Refrigerate. Once nuts have been soaked refrigeration is required to avoid spoilage.