It was time to make a new batch of bars today. After a rare morning excursion to a local museum, I settled into the kitchen to batch cook some bars. Nut-free is always a win for school snacks! These energy-dense bars pack a lasting nutrient punch to carry the boys through the afternoon.
I use my Vitamix to grind my seeds and dried fruit at home. The Vitamix is absolutely the best kitchen investment you can make!
INGREDIENTS:
4 Tbsp flax seeds 6 Tbsp water 1 cup shelled pumpkin seeds (chopped) 1 cup shredded coconut 2/3 cup sunflower seeds (chopped) 1/3 cup sunflower seeds (whole) 6 Tbsp sesame seeds 1 cup dates 1 cup dried figs 1 cup frozen organic blueberries 1/2 tsp salt 2 tsp cinnamon
PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER
Preheat the oven to 350F. Line an 11×13 glass baking dish with parchment paper.
Grind your whole flax seeds into a fine meal. Add 6 Tbsp water and stir to combine. Allow the mixture to sit and form a gel for 10 minutes.
Soak 1 cup each of dates and figs in hot water.
Chop the pumpkin seeds and 2/3 cup of sunflower seeds in your blender or food processor. Add to a large bowl
Add coconut, sesame seeds, whole sunflower seeds, salt, and cinnamon to the large bowl. Stir to combine.
Drain the dates and figs and add to the blender. Grind into a fine pulp.
Add the flax goup to the dried fruit and pulse to combine.
Add the flax and dried fruit mixture to the seed mixture. Stir well to combine.
Stir in the blueberries. Work all together with clean hands.
Spread the bar mixture into your prepared baking dish.
Bake for 25 minutes or until the bars are lightly golden brown.
Cool completely and slice into bars using a sharp knife.
Freeze on a parchment-lined baking sheet and store in a freezer bag until you are ready to pack in the lunchbox!
SOURCING:
I buy my flax and sesame seeds from the bulk bin at Whole Foods. You don’t want to buy too much at a time because they go bad quickly. If you do buy in bulk, store them in the freezer.
Pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, dates, figs, and blueberries: I buy all from Costco.
These bars were given two thumbs up by both sets of twins. Especially Annabelle who wanted to feature her new outfit! 🙂
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