Introducing a festive twist on a one-handed snack that's fairly simple to make, and a total delight to eat! I'm a firm believer that holiday treats should be a celebration of flavor and nourishment, and this "health bark" is a homemade go-to gift this season. (Especially for my new mamas!)
Inspired by the marvelous Flaxie Maxie bars from the Functional Nutrition Alliance, these beauties are more than just a snack – they're a symphony of taste and nutrition, packed with superfoods like goji berries, nuts, seeds, and cacao. They SATISFY.
I affectionately call them "health bark" because, let's be honest, my attempts at cutting them into perfect bars usually end up looking more like a rustic masterpiece. But you know what? That just adds to their charm!
Now, let's talk ingredients. We've got almonds, walnuts (or pecans, if you fancy), almond butter, shredded coconut, hemp seeds, chia seeds, ground flax, pumpkin seeds, a touch of vanilla extract, a sprinkle of salt, cacao butter, cacao nibs, and goji berries. I know it seems like a lot of ingredients - but all of these are staples for a nutrient-dense kitchen, and I LOVE these for postpartum mamas. Coconut, cacao butter, hemp, chia, flax, and ALL the seeds are staples for nourishing new mamas - the replenishing fats, minerals, and micronutrients are game-changers. So if you can, invest in some of these superstar ingredients (or ask for them as gifts!) to make nourishing snacking one step closer to your mouth.
Creating these treats is a breeze – pulse all the ingredients in a food processor, press the mixture into a dish, dust it with coconut flakes, chill, and voila! The result? A divine blend of flavors and textures that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
So, why not join me in sneaking some "healthy stuff" into your holiday treats? I promise you, this "health bark" will win over even the skeptics. Give it a try, and let the festivities begin!
INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 cups almonds (toasted)
1/2 cup walnuts or pecans
3/4 cup almond butter
1/4 cup shredded coconut
2 T hemp seeds
2 T chia seeds
1/4 cup fresh ground flax
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds (toasted)
1 tsp vanilla extract
A pinch of salt
1/2 cup cacao butter, coconut oil, or a mixture (melted)
Handful of cacao nibs
1/2 cup goji berries or dried cranberries
1 Tablespoon maple syrup or honey
A bit more coconut and dried berried for decoration
INSTRUCTIONS
If toasting your nuts and/or pumpkin seeds, spread on a baking sheet and toast in a 350-degree oven until fragrant - about 5 - 7 minutes.Â
Gently melt the cacao butter and/or coconut oil. You could add it to the warming oven, place it in a pan, or use a double boiler.
Pulse all nuts, nut butter, coconut, hemp, chia, ground flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, vanilla, and salt in a food processor until coarsely ground.
Add melted cacao butter/coconut oil to the food processor along with goji berries, cacao nibs, and sweetener.
Pulse to create a coarse and pasty mixture.
Press the mixture into an 8 x 8 glass baking dish, dust with coconut flakes and goji berries if desired!
Chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour until the mixture hardens. Break into chunks and store in the refrigerator.
Note:
Feel free to experiment with different nuts and nut or seed butters.
I love using cacao butter for its flavor and stability and health benefits (see more below!), especially when these treats are on the move.
Enjoy!
Cacao Butter: A Little Nutritional Magic
I love using cacao butter in cooking and no-bake treats. It’s got a very subtle chocolate flavor, adds beautiful texture, and a nutrient boost to boot.
1. Healthy Fats: Cacao butter is primarily composed of healthy fats, particularly oleic acid, a heart-healthy monounsaturated fat also found in olive oil. These fats provide a slow and steady release of energy, maintaining your blood sugar balance and keeping you satisfied and fueled throughout the day.
2. Antioxidant Rich: Bursting with antioxidants, cacao butter helps combat oxidative stress in the body. Antioxidants, such as flavonoids, protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, supporting overall health and well-being.
3. Skin Nourishment: Not just for internal health, cacao butter does wonders for your skin. It contains natural compounds that moisturize and nourish the skin, promoting a healthy and radiant complexion. Think of it as a little treat for your body inside and out!
4. Stability in Form: One of the unique qualities of cacao butter is its stability at room temperature. Unlike some other fats, it remains solid at a wide range of temperatures, making it an ideal choice for maintaining the structure and texture of your "health bark" bars and other no-bake treats. This stability also means that your treats won't turn into a gooey mess, especially when you're sharing them as gifts.
5. Magnesium Boost: Cacao butter contains magnesium, a mineral essential for various bodily functions, including muscle function, nerve transmission, and energy production. Adding cacao butter to your snacks provides a tasty way to boost your magnesium intake.
6. Mood-Enhancing: Cacao is often associated with an improved mood, and cacao butter is no exception. It contains compounds that may promote the release of endorphins, the "feel-good" hormones, contributing to a sense of well-being and happiness.
By incorporating cacao butter into your "health bark" bars, you're not just indulging in a delicious treat; you're also treating your body to a host of nutritional benefits. So, go ahead, savor the flavor, and nourish yourself from the inside out!
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