Nut, Seed, Fruit Bars

 

I was searching Pinterest, desperately trying to find some healthy snacks and came across this. I love it because it has protein from the nuts, no sugar (since I used dried fruit without it) and a lot of nutrition from the seeds and good oil! Plus these are extremely versatile so you can make them with whatever you have on hand!

 

 

INGREDIENTS:

 

 

2 1/2 cups nuts and seeds (I use 1/2 cup of cashews, almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds 

                                            and a 1/4 cup sesame seeds and sunflower seeds)

1 cup dried fruits (I use 1/2 cup dates and 1/2 cup raisins)

1/4 cup coconut (I use dried unsweetened)

1/4 cup coconut oil

1/3 cup almond butter (could use peanut butter or cashew butter if desired) 

1/3 cup honey (I use raw)

1 tsp. vanilla extract (you could use other kinds to vary the flavor if desired)

1/2 tsp. sea salt

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

Place all nuts/seeds in your food processor.



Add dried fruit and coconut

Pulse until everything is chopped

Place the rest of the ingredients in a sauce pan and warm on low JUST until combined (you don't want to heat it too much, cuz heat kills enzymes that you want).

Pour liquid mixture over your fruit, nut, seed mixture

Mix until everything is combined!

Place into a wax paper lined pan

 Press down firmly

 Place in refrig just until cold to make sure it sticks together well. Cut into bar size pieces!

Store in the refrig or the freezer in an air tight container with wax paper in-between, or wrap individually for an easy snack on the run!!

 

Kale Chips

My whole family loves these chips, which is saying a lot since we have a lot of little kids. The nutritional yeast is what I think does the trick because it gives they a "cheesy" flavor, while being so nutritious!

 



INGREDIENTS:

 

2 bunches of Kale ( I like to use organic)

2 Tab. extra virgin olive oil

3 Tab Bragg's amino acids, coconut aminos, or tamari (I use Bragg's)

1/2 tsp, garlic granules

1/2 tsp. sea salt (optional)

1/2 cup nutritional yeast flakes

 Start off by washing the kale

Remove the center stem of the kale and discard. Tear the kale leaves into large pieces (not too small as they will shrink in the dehydrator). 

Place kale in a big bowl and add all the ingredients except for the nutritional yeast. Mix well and massage with your hands. Sprinkle on nutritional yeast and mix until all leaves are coated.

 Place strips directly on mesh dehydrator trays.

 Dehydrate on 115 degrees for 4-5 hours.

When finished they should be crispy! I like to store them in mason jars in a cool place!

Cashew Parmesan

I love making this to go on top of my salads, rice, soup,  or even pasta! The Nutritional yeast gives it a "cheesy" flavor without the dairy. It's perfect for a vegetarian or vegan diet and it's super delicious!

In a food processer place:

 

1 cup cashews or 1 cup almonds

2 Tab. Nutritional Yeast

1 tsp. garlic granules

1/2 tsp sea salt 

 

Pulse until it's the consistency of parmesan cheese.

Store in a container in the refrigerator and use as needed! :)