Chewy Honey Almond Energy Bars

These ingredients are what I normally have on hand, but feel free to substitute or add other nuts, seeds or dried fruit such as dried cranberries, cherries, shredded coconut, toasted oats, etc. These are packed with protein (and calories), and are great for athletes, or anyone who needs a hit of energy! The bars are soft and chewy, but the more ingredients you add, the firmer the bars will be.

• Ready In: 15 mins
• Serves: 12
• Yields: 12 bars

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 cup honey
• 1⁄2 cup almond butter
• 1⁄2 cup  chopped dates
• 1⁄4 cup sesame seeds
• 1⁄4 cup  hulled sunflower seeds
• 1⁄4 cup  hemp seeds
• 1⁄2 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions

1. In a medium saucepan, melt honey and almond butter, mixing well until it is smooth and creamy. Do not boil. Remove from heat.
2. Add the rest of the ingredients to the saucepan, mixing well to coat everything in honey/almond butter mixture.
3. Empty mixture into a 9x9 pan lined with parchment paper.
4. Place a sheet of parchment paper on top and press the mixture down into the pan, creating a smooth layer.
5. When the mixture has cooled, place the pan in the fridge for an hour.
6. Remove the top layer of parchment paper and cut into 12 bars.
7. Wrap each bar individually and store in the fridge.