Quinoa Puff Energy Bites and Bars
I was lucky enough to partner with Yupik (love what you eat) to develop these delicious, super easy, and kid friendly healthy treats. I used their organic puffed quinoa (which I am now obsessed with) in two ways, 1) energy bites and 2) quinoa bars, similar to rice krispies! I have so many childhood memories making homemade rice krispies with my grandmother, so finding a healthy alternative was super exciting and nostalgic.
Get yourself some puffed quinoa and get baking. I hope you enjoy these simple recipes as much I did!
Quinoa Puff Energy Bites
Ingredients:
1 cup pitted dates
3/4 cup puffed quinoa (https://www.yupik.ca/en/organic-puffed-quinoa.html)
1/4 cup shredded coconut
3/4 cup almond butter (or peanut, sunflower seed butter etc.)
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
Directions:
1) Blend pitted dates, shredded coconut, and nut butter together in food processor. You may need to separate the dates if any clumping happens. The mixture will look somewhat thick, but don’t worry.
2) Fold in dark chocolate chips and puffed quinoa.
3) Take about 1-2 tablespoons worth and roll into small balls.
4) Place balls on parchment lined tray and refrigerate for 30 minutes before enjoying. Highly recommend keeping them in the freezer.
Enjoy!
What's so great about these energy bites?
They are full of fibre, healthy fats, and so easy to make. Bonus: the only form of added sugars come from the dark chocolate chips.
Peanut Butter Crispy Bars
These bars are absolutely amazing. The peanut butter flavour kicks it up a notch and the texture reminds me of a childhood favourite rice krispies (but healthier).
Ingredients:
2 tbsp. coconut oil
1/2 cup dried cranberries (or raisins)
1/2 cup peanut butter (or any alternative)
1/3 cup maple syrup or honey
1 cup puffed quinoa
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (optional, not necessary)
Directions:
Over medium heat, heat coconut oil in a skillet. Add peanut butter and begin to melt. When melted add maple syrup or honey and dried cranberries.
Mix together well and pour into an 8’by 8’ tray.
Optional: melt dark chocolate chips using a double broiler or microwave (stirring every 30-40 seconds). Once melted pour over trays and distribute evenly using a spatula.
Place in fridge and let cool for 1-2 hours. Once cooled remove and cut into crispy bar squares.
Enjoy!
Cheers to happy and healthy eating (and baking).
Until next time,
Eat Right Feel Right - Angela XO
