25 June, 2018

Superfoods Bars

Posted in : Not So Naughty on 25th June 2018 by : Ugne

Superfood Bars
(Gluten free, refined sugar free and vegan)

These superfood bars are truly super- packed with tasty wholesome ingredients and full of nutrients and vitamins. Great amount of protein coming from natural source of nuts and plentiful of vitamins from berries, especially one special addition – Meridian Peanut and Baobab butter. If you not aware- Dried baobab fruit powder is rich in antioxidants, especially vitamin C; it’s high in potassium; and it contains good amounts of calcium, magnesium, and protein. It’s also rich in fiber, which makes up about half of each serving. The fibre acts as a prebiotic, helping to maintain healthy bacteria in the gut. These bars are gluten free, vegan and refined sugar free. If you decide to opt out from toasting part- they can be made raw too.
I am using natural, organic ingredients which makes these bars even more special and oh so good for you.

INGREDIENTS AND METHOD
200g gluten free oats (but regular rolled oats are fine too)
70g pumpkin seeds
50g whole almonds
50g peanuts
50g sunflower seeds
40g golden linseed

Preheat the oven to 180’C and line large baking tray with parchment paper, set aside.
Mix all above ingredients in the large bowl and spread on prepared tray. Toast the mix for around 20 minutes moving around with a wooden spoon every 5 minutes so all gets evenly golden and fragrant. When done, remove from the oven and let it cool.

130g dried cranberries or cherries
60g dried mulberry
45g goji berries
70g dried apricots,coarsely chopped

Now, whilst your nut seed and oat mix is cooling prepare the rest of the ingredients. Line square 20x20cm tin with non stick parchment paper. You can use bread tin or any other dish which give you nice shape so can be cut easily.
In the previously used large bowl add the dried berries and chopped apricots, set aside.

90g Honey nectar from Coconut Merchant
40g Meridian date syrup
40g Meridian maple syrup
60g Meridian Peanut and baobab butter (can use any other natural nut butter if haven’t got this one handy)
60g Coconut Merchant raw extra virgin coconut oil
Pinch of salt
1tsp cinnamon

In a heat proof bowl combine the above ingredients and melt in the microwave. Or alternatively, use small saucepan heaton a low heat mixing occasionally. Let it slightly cool while you do the following.-

Add toasted ingredients in to the bowl with berries and toss to mix well. Now pour in heated liquid and give it a good mix with wooden spoon until all well combined and dry ingredients coated and wet.

Pour the mix in to prepared tin, spread evenly and using piece of parchment paper ( I use Bacofoil as it’s proven non stick surface really handy) press very well with the palm of your hand so it compresses and not split when cut. place the tin in the fridge until it firms up, for about 2-3 hours.