Monday, April 23, 2012

Peanutty Treats + Healthier Version of Clif Bars!

When choosing nuts, I usually go for the almond or cashew but this time I decided on organic dry roasted peanuts. I never saw them before in the grocery store, and I don't know about you but it seems organic peanuts are hard to come by while organic peanut butter is very common. So I took advantage of this rarity and used them in these three awesome treats! Check out the peanutty inspiration starting with Peanut Butter Banana Protein Ice Cream:

1 frozen banana, 1 tbsp peanut butter, 1 scoop brown rice protein powder, top with peanuts

This fudge is made with carob, peanuts and raisins. I've come to appreciate fruit and nut treats, ever since making our Superfood Nut and Fruit Clusters.

2 tbsp coconut oil, 1 1/2 tbsp sunflower seed butter, 1 1/2 tbsp carob powder, 1 tbsp brown rice syrup, stevia to taste, pinch of salt, handful of peanuts, handful of raisins






























A few days ago I picked up some amaranth at the store, I originally wanted quinoa, but noticed amaranth was cheaper for the same amount so I went with it. I tried cooking it as you would quinoa and let me tell you, it is very soupy! No wonder it's often used to make porridge!

*I've heard of popping amaranth before but always thought it would be a difficult process. Well turns out, it's not! It literally takes 20 seconds. Heat a wok or frying pan on medium heat, when pan is fully hot, add in just under 1 tbsp of amaranth and stir continuously with a wooden spoon. It will start popping after 3 seconds. Continue stirring until the un-popped seeds turn brown and popping slows. Only do a little bit at a time or else you will get burning.

Popped amaranth and ground peanuts

We adore Clif Bars! And although they are marketed as nutrition bars, we eat them as a treat, equivalent to a cookie because of the high sugar content. Here are our version of Clif Bars with wayyy less sugar but the same Clif Bar texture: 

Peanutty taste


PEANUT-COCONUT CLIF BARS

1/2 cup ground organic peanuts
1/4 cup coconut, shredded
6 tbsp popped amaranth *see above for directions*
6 tbsp crushed organic cornflakes (fruit juice sweetened)
2 tbsp whole peanuts
1/4 cup brown rice syrup
Drops of stevia to taste
1/4 tsp vanilla bean powder
Pinch of sea salt

Combine all dry ingredients in a medium bowl, add brown rice syrup and combine with hands until a dough forms. Shape into "cliff bar" shapes. Makes 4 bars.




If you're in the mood for some more Sketch-Free Vegan Treats, check out our ebook Simple Sweets!

5 comments:

  1. Loooove the popped amaranth! You have to try eating it as cereal! The clif bars look great. I've always hated their crazy long ingredient list, so this is the perfect option. Thanks! I've never used vanilla bean powder but it sounds awesome.

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    1. We will def have to try it as a cereal, thanks! We could not live without our vanilla bean powder, it adds the most amazing vanilla flavour to anything you put it in :)

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  2. What an awesome recipe ladies! I am the same as you- CLIF bars are a treat. So cool you replicated the texture! I can't wait to try them!

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  3. YUM... I have always wanted to try popping amaranth... these bars sound great (I've never tried a Cliff) :)

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  4. 3 Studies SHOW Why Coconut Oil Kills Waist Fat.

    This means that you literally burn fat by eating Coconut Fat (including coconut milk, coconut cream and coconut oil).

    These 3 studies from big medicinal magazines are sure to turn the conventional nutrition world around!

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