Chocolate Hazelnut "Crunch" Bars

This nutty, chocolatey dessert really hits the spot for all those chocolate lovers out there. Not only is it easy to make, it’s full of protein and healthy fats from the walnuts and hazelnuts. It’s only lightly sweetened with some maple syrup, and so while it tastes decadent, it’s a much healthier dessert option. Finally, the best part is that one batch of these bars makes about 20 squares. Keep them in the freezer for when a sweet craving hits! For me, that’s after lunch and dinner basically every day! One or two of these does the trick :)

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups roasted, unsalted hazlenuts

• 1 1/2 cups raw pecans

• 5 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted and cooled

• 1/4 cup maple syrup

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 3/4 cup chocolate chips

• Maldon sea salt for finishing

Directions:

• In a food processor, add hazelnuts, pecans, salt, and cocoa powder until you get a crumbly texture.

• Add in maple syrup and coconut oil and process until ingredients are well combined

• Line an 8x8 pan with parchment paper. Take the chocolate nut mixture and press evenly into the pan. Place in the freezer for 5-10 minutes to set.

• Meanwhile, melt the chocolate chips either in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. Top the chocolate nut mixture with an even layer of the melted chocolate. Add a few pinches of Maldon sea salt flakes to the top and then return to the freezer for 15-20 minutes.

• Remove the chocolate crunch bar from the freezer and cut into squares - small or large! Keep these stored in the freezer.

Almond Butter Banana Oat Bars

These almond butter banana oat bars are super quick to whip up, only use a handful of ingredients, and are perfect for a grab-and-go breakfast, as they are loaded with fiber, protein, and healthy fats. I also love them for a little sweet treat after dinner. These bars are made with simple ingredients you can trust, rather than granola bars that are marketed as “healthy” in stores, but have a long list of refined and processed ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas

• 1 1/2 cup old fashioned oats

• 3/4 cup creamy natural almond butter

• 3 tbsp ground flaxseed

• 3 tbsp maple syrup

• 2 tbsp coconut oil, melted

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

Ready to go into the oven!

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 8 inch square pan with small amount of coconut oil or use parchment paper

• In large bowl, mash bananas with a fork. Then mix in coconut oil, almond butter, ground flaxseed, and maple syrup.

• Stir in cinnamon, salt, and oats.

• Pour batter into pan and spread evenly.

• Bake for 25- 30 minutes and allow to cool. Slice into 8 bars.