Tried and True Sport Recovery Bars

It can be challenging to find a sport bar that can stand up to the guidelines of being healthy, convenient, easy to eat after a long workout, and of course, delicious. These no bake bars are gluten free and have the ability to withstand a long ride in the back of a cycling jersey or ski jacket before being eaten up. They make a great alternative to the pricey pre-packaged bars. Give them a try and let me know what you think. Bonus - they are ridiculously healthy and make a good snack for the little ones (not suitable for those with nut allergies). My 2 1/2 year old loves them!


Ingredients:
1/2 cup slivered almonds
1/2 cup pecans
1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1/4 cup almond butter
1/4 cup coconut oil
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/2 tsp of honey
1/8 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 cup almond or sesame seed meal
1/2 cup dried cranberries, blueberries or other dried fruit

Method:
1. On a cookie sheet, toast nuts and shredded coconut until golden brown (you may need to shake the tray once or twice to make sure they cook evenly). 5-7 minutes at 350C
2. Once toasted, pour mixture into a food processor and pulse until nuts are chopped and the mixture becomes coarsely ground.
3. In a mixing bowl or in a saucepan, melt coconut oil and almond butter (about 20 seconds in the microwave). Remove from stove or microwave and stir until smooth.
4. Add vanilla extract, honey and sea salt. Mix thoroughly.
5. Fold in nut mixture and almond (or sesame seed) meal until mixed thoroughly.
6. Fold in blueberries/cranberries.
7. Press mixture into an 8 by 4 loaf pan.
8. Refrigerate or freeze for 20 minutes or until firm.
9. Cut “loaf” width wise. Should make 6 good-sized bars.
10. They freeze well when individually wrapped.

In the absence of coconut oil, butter works just as well...maybe even better:).

ENJOY!