oatmeal

Chocolate Quinoa Breakfast Bars

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IMG_3955Do you think chocolate for breakfast is acceptable? I do. I could eat chocolate at any time of the day, but the combination of chocolate, sprouted quinoa and oats makes a surprisingly delicious, protein-packed breakfast bar.

Breakfast always seems like the most stressful meal in our house, especially considering we are usually out the door by 4:30 AM. Having these little bars prepped ahead of time makes breakfasts a breeze! I like to make a big batch, cut them up and stick them in the fridge for a simple, grab-and-go breakfast. I also sometimes pack one in my lunchbox for a midday treat. 

It may seems like there is a lot of prep to these bars, but the flavor and nutritional benefits all that extra prep brings is so worth it! You can sprout or soak your quinoa and soak your oatmeal in the morning, and by the time you get home from work, you’ll be ready to assemble your bars. Then for breakfast the following day, voila! You’ve got some delicious bars ready to devour! Feel feel to add soaked nuts or dried fruit to make these bars extra special!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup sprouted quinoa (learn how to sprout grains here)
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup full fat yogurt
  • 2 tbsp chocolate chips
  • 1/8 cup dried fruit (cherries or cranberries work well)
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup nut butter (peanut or almond work well)
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • Pinch cinnamon
  • Pinch sea salt

Directions:

  1. In a small bowl, combine oats and yogurt. In a separate small bowl, soak your quinoa in water and a tablespoon of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar.  Let both sit on your countertop for at least 8 hours.
  2. After 8 hours, rinse and cook your quinoa. 
  3. In a medium sized bowl, combine cooked quinoa, soaked oats, chocolate chips, dried fruit, chopped pecans, maple syrup, nut butter, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. 
  4. Grease a piece of parchment paper and place it inside of an 8 x 8 pan. Spoon bar mixture into the pan and spread along the parchment paper into one uniform layer. 
  5. Bake for 25 minutes at 350 degrees. 
  6. Remove from oven and let cool, then slice into bars and refrigerate.

Enjoy!

Homemade Chocolate-Cranberry Granola Bars

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IMG_3459Who doesn’t want a quick, easy, cheap breakfast that’s made ahead of time and travels nicely?

If there is someone who doesn’t, I don’t know ’em.

These granola bars are simple yet delicious. This is a great base recipe with a lot of wiggle room; if you want to add additional fruit, nuts or other ingredients. I like the complimenting flavors of coconut and chocolate, so those are the ingredients I chose.

Ingredients:

  • 2 and 1/2 cups quick cooking oats
  • 1/3 cup ground flax seed
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
  • 2/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 3 tbsp water
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil
  • 3 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips or cacao nibs

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine oats, flax, cinnamon, cranberries, and walnuts.IMG_3444
  3. Add in applesauce, water, oil, maple syrup and chocolate chips.IMG_3445
  4. Form into the shape of bars; about 3 inches long and 1/2 inch tall.IMG_3447IMG_3451
  5. Place on baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes.
  6. Refrigerate.IMG_3462