Maiah's Breakfast Bars

On a Sunday, I like to get ahead in terms of healthy meals and snacks for the week.  Often I have salad and raw cauliflower couscous ready for the week ahead in case I'm in need of a hurried meal and don't want to rely on just almonds and the one flavor of Larabar I can actually eat.  (Yes, I sometimes eat salad for breakfast; toss in avocado, sunflower seeds and a few currants and it's actually pretty phenomenal).

This Breakfast Bar recipe was created tonight and "packaged" for the week to come.  Whether you're running out the door for a workout or on the way to work or a long drive, this is a great nutritious snack and also filling, meaning you won't be craving a sugary coffee beverage or muffin desire before lunch.

I have a second opinion as well: "Much better than a Clif Bar!" as well as a suggestion to play around with other dried fruit.  The husband and I are thinking dried cherries or apple-juice sweetened cranberries would also be delicious additions.

Ingredients:

1 cup almonds

¾ cup diced dried apricots

2 cups reduced fat shredded coconut flakes

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

¾ teaspoon cinnamon

½ scant cup sunflower seed butter

1-1/2 tablespoons honey

3 tablespoons water

food processor is key in this one

Directions:

      

 Food process almonds until fine.

 Dice dried apricots, add apricots and remaining ingredients, adding a little more water if necessary.

 Scoop out ingredients onto parchment paper, roll out and form into a giant rectangle; cut into 10-12 bars.

package them up into desired portions for a quick out-the-door snack or light meal