Characteristics

These bars provide a satisfying, delicious, and optimally healthy snack. They can be used to fuel up anytime or used as a dessert-like treat. They are rich in healthy fats, carbohydrates, and protein, as well as antioxidants, phytonutrients, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They are naturally low in sodium and contain no refined or isolated sugars. Being a raw treat, they also provide maximum nutritional integrity.

TYPE: Dessert, Snack
PREPARATION: < 5 mins
SERVING: Makes 10 bars

  • Raw
  • 100% Plant-based (Vegan)
  • Organic (depending on choice of ingredients)
  • Wheat-free
  • Gluten-free
  • Peanut-free
  • Soy-free
  • Corn-free
  • Refined sugar-free
  • Isolated sugar-free

Goodies Needed

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 cup almonds (organic)
  • 1 cup raisins (organic)
  • 1/2 cup finely shredded coconut (organic, unsweetened)
  • 2 TBSP cacao powder (raw, organic)
  • 2 TBSP water
  • 1 tsp cinnamon (organic)
  • 1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract (organic)

TOOLS:

  • Food Processor
  • Spatula
  • Glass 8-inch Square Dish

Preparation Steps

  1. Place all ingredients in a food processor, and process on high speed, until mixture crumbles and begins to stick together. If uncertain, test a small amount of mixture by squeezing it between your fingers to see if it sticks and holds together.
  2. Transfer the mixture from the food processor into your 8-inch square glass dish, and using a spatula press and pack down the mixture firmly so that it is compact.
  3. Cover and place into the refrigerator. Within a few hours mixture will become firmer and be ready to cut. Cut mixture into 5 slim columns, and then across the middle to make 10 bars.
  4. Store in the refrigerator (will keep well for a week or two if not allowed to dry out.) The bars can also be easily frozen for future use.

Meal Nutritional Benefits

Almonds:

  • are a rich source of healthy fats and protein
  • good source of (in descending order): biotin, vitamin E, manganese, copper, vitamin B2, phosphorus, magnesium, molybdenum
  • lower bad cholesterol, reduce risk of heart disease, provide protection against diabetes, provide protection against cardiovascular disease, promote healthy weight, prevent gallstones and help with energy production
  • for more information, visit the almonds detailed overview from World’s Healthiest Foods

Raisins:

  • high energy, low fat food
  • good source of antioxidants
  • good source of vitamins like the B vitamins, and minerals like iron, potassium, calcium and magnesium
  • provide prevention/healing for: constipation, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, anemia, fever, eye health, bone health read more
  • for more information, visit the raisins detailed overview from World’s Healthiest Foods

Raw Cacao:

  • Raw cacao contains anandamide (a euphoric substance), arginine (a natural aphrodisiac), neurotransmitters that stimulate and balance brain activity, tryptophan (an anti-depressant), antioxidants and other beneficial compounds known to have rejuvenating and anti-aging elements.
  • Cacao is high in magnesium, good for a balanced nervous system, heart beat, building strong bones, and lowering blood pressure.
  • Cacao is a good source of the beauty mineral sulfur; responsible for healthy skin, nails and hair.
  • Scientific studies have shown that cacao boosts blood flow to the heart, brain and other organs and has a wide array of protective effects against heart disease. It has also been shown to beneficial in lowering blood glucose levels and preventing the onset of type-2 diabetes.
  • For more information, learn about the raw cacao benefits

Coconut:

  • Provides vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytonutrients, as well as healthy fats, protein, carbohydrates and fiber
  • A source of: vitamins C, E, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and folate, as well as manganese, selenium, copper, zinc, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron and calcium
  • Supportive for immune system, cardiovascular system, digestive system and overall good health
  • Helps support optimal weight, healing, growth and development
  • For more information, visit the coconut nutrition facts from Nutrition-And-You.com

Cinnamon:

  • good source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytonutrients
  • good source of: manganese and calcium
  • contain anti-clotting action, anti-microbial activity, and helps reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease and diabetes 2
  • contain eugenol and cinnamaldehyde which have pain-relieving and sedative properties
  • for more information, visit the cinnamon detailed overview from World’s Healthiest Foods

Vanilla:

  • source of phytonutrients, vitamins, and minerals
  • when in its purest form, can positively contribute to overall health
  • for more information, visit the vanilla overview from Nutrition-and-You.com