Healthy Protein Bars

A tasty natural ingredient protein bar. Most of the carbs in this recipe are low glycemic. The balanced ratio of protein, carbs, and healthy fat provides a long lasting supply of energy. The omega 3 fat in the flax meal balances the omega 6 in the oats. These bars are a good source of both soluble and insoluble fiber, calcium, and magnesium.

• Ready In: 45 mins
• Yields: 12 bars

Ingredients

• 1  cup rolled oats
• 1  cup  nonfat dry milk powder
• 1⁄2 cup  wheat bran (not bran cereal)
• 1⁄2 cup flax seed meal
• 1  cup  almond meal
• 1⁄2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 1  teaspoon cinnamon
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ginger
• 1 (15 ounce) can white beans, drained & mashed
• 2  eggs, beaten
• 1⁄4 cup honey
• 1⁄4 cup water
• 1  teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Mix dry ingredients.
3. Mix wet ingredients in a separate bowl, or blend in food processor.
4. Stir wet ingredients into dry ingredients.
5. Spread mixture into a 9x13" greased (or non-stick) cake pan. I use a glass pan.
6. Bake for 20 minutes, or until dry to the touch and lightly browned at the edges.
7. Cool and cut into 12 bars. I store them in the frig to keep them fresh.
8. Alternate "orange" version: Replace honey and water with 1/2 cup frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed, and replace cinnamon and ginger with 1 t dried orange peel.