Protein Bars

I figured since this blog is about healthy ways to clean, it would work if I did a post about a healthy snack. Yesterday I made these protein bars for my family, and they are so yummy!  Please know that I am a huge sweet tooth and dessert is my friend.  I was a tad skeptical when I got this recipe from my friend but I decided to try them.  I even took pictures of the step by step:)
One of the best things about this recipe is that the bars are so high in protein.  I used Shaklee Instant Protein ( you can use this protein to substitute flour in any recipe) and the entire pan has over 120grams of protein.  They are really filling!!! The baby loved them, too!!!

 The ingredients (no added sugar!!!)

 Mix the dry items together

 Just wanted to include a picture of my favorite pampered chef item-the measuring cup!  All you do is slide it up and peanut butter slips right out!!!

 Heat the agave

 Find a really cute helper (who should have been napping)

 Add the almond butter and stir

 Press into a 9 x 13 pan

 Sprinkle chocolate chips (optional but I added obviously)

Yummm!!!

Here is recipe:

Preparation Time: 5-10 minutes

Yield: 1-9 x 13 inch dish cut into squares or Roll into balls

Ingredients:


1 cup Shaklee Instant Protein Soy Mix
*(Sometimes I use 1/2 cup of the Instant and 1/2 cup of the Shaklee Cinch)


1 ¼ cup oats


½ cup of flax meal

Add-Ins—Add some or all:


1 cup slivered almonds
 (I added)

3 Tbsp. cocoa powder
 (I added)

1 cup Organic Chocolate


1 cup of Coconut


1 cup Honey or Agave **


1 tsp Pure Vanilla
 (I added)

1 cup Peanut Butter or Almond Butter***

Directions:
Combine all dry ingredients in a bowl and set aside.  In sauce pan, bring Agave to a boil then immediately remove from heat and add Peanut or Almond Butter and Vanilla. Stir until combined.  Pour Almond/Peanut Butter mixture into bowl of dry ingredients and stir till combined. You may need to use your hands.  Press down into ungreased 9 x 13 in. glass dish. Cool in the refrigerator.  Cut into squares.  You also can roll the mix into balls if you prefer and then cool them.

Variations:
Add Fruit to dry mix— ½ cup chopped dates, raisins, cranberries, or cherries
Add Nuts to dry mix— ½ cup almonds, walnuts, pecans, or other nuts
Add ½ cup Chocolate Chips ON TOP of mix after it is pressed into pan. Turn oven on Broil. Place bars into oven for 1 minute. Remove and use a knife to spread melted chocolate chips around on top of bars.  Refrigerate.

Tips:

I typically use the Shaklee Instant Protein Soy Mix for my bars. You can use any of the Shaklee protein powders for this recipe and it will come out pretty close to the same. The Instant Soy Mix Protein is flavorless and is a substitute for flour in other recipes. I keep this as one of the staples in my pantry. You can throw it into muffin, pancake, cookie or cake recipes and it will cut back on the carbs and of course the flour! It’s also a great add in to oatmeal or applesauce to make sure the kids are getting heir protein!

I also have used in this recipe: Shaklee Energizing Soy Vanilla, Shaklee Energizing Soy Chocolate, and both flavors of the Shaklee Cinch for weight loss: Cinch Chocolate and Cinch Vanilla. I love using Shaklee Cinch shake mix because its powered by Leucine**** to help preserve muscle while you loose weight.

If you choose to use Shaklee Instant Protein, your entire dish or protein bars will have 120 g of Protein that offers all of the amino acids, especially the 9 essential amino acids that your body does not produce on it’s own.

** Agave is the ideal sweetener because it does not raise your Glucose level like honey does, which will help your insulin level not to rise as much.

***If you use Almond Butter(I prefer) instead of Peanut Butter, you may want to cut back on the agave or it will taste too sweet!  If you only have peanut butter, try to avoid PB with added sugar or preservatives.  Get the Natural PB or Organic.

****Leucine helps with the regulation of blood-sugar levels, the growth and repair of muscle tissue (such as bones, skin and muscles), growth hormone production, wound healing as well as energy regulation.

Please let me know if you make these!!!