Super-Power Granola Squares
I discovered this recipe in the 'Eco Parent' magazine. They are so incredibly nutrient dense and taste amazzing!!!! Make a double batch and put them in your freezer so you have snacks at work or for the kids for the next few weeks :)
The raw cacao contains a rich supply of beta-carotene, zinc and an incredible rich supply of magnesium.
Goji berries are packed with essential amino acids, rich in vitamin A and C. Goji berries also possess over 20 trace minerals and vitamins including zinc, iron, phosphorus, B2, vitamin E as well as carotenoids, including beta-carotene.
Chia seeds provide calcium and protein to your tissues. The seeds are also rich in boron, which helps the body assimilate and use calcium. The nutrients also support proper brain functioning. When inside your body, the seeds help you stay hydrated longer, and retain electrolytes in your bodily fluids.
Hemp is a high protein seed containing all nine of the essential amino acids (like flax). It also has high amounts of fatty acids and fiber as well as containing vitamin E and trace minerals. It has a balanced ratio of omega 3 to 6 fats. Also, the protein content of the hemp seed is very digestible.
Sunflower seeds are packed with vitamins, including vitamin B1 and B5, vitamin E and folate. They also provide a healthy dose of copper, magnesium, selenium and phosphorous–important minerals. The fats present in sunflower seeds are also good quality, heart healthy fats that can help increase “good” cholesterol and protect the heart and cardiovascular system.
Coconut oil is the best food source of lauric acid, second only to mother's milk! Lauric acid has many wonderful properties, among them anti-bacterial and anti-viral functions. Fats in coconut oil also enhance immune system function and help balance and normalize body lipids. Coconut oil contains health-building medium chain fatty acids. Coconut oil increases the body's metabolism and therefore causes your body to burn more energy (fat) and gives you more energy to do the things you want to do!
These treats are also nut-free ( coconut is not a nut, but a tree fruit)!
Ingredients:
2 cups oats
1 cup sunflower seeds
1/4 cup shredded coconut (unsweetened)
1/4 hemp hearts
1/4 chia seeds
1/2 cup ground flax seeds
1/3 cup coconut oil
2/3 cup maple syrup ( or agave syrup)
1/4 cup coconut sugar ( or brown sugar)
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/2 cup goji berries ( or cranberries)
1/2 cup cacao nibs (or chocolate chips)
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line an 8x12 baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Toss the oats, sunflower seeds and coconut in a bowl and spread out on a dry sheet pan and toast for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly brown.
3. In a small pot, melt the coconut oil, maple syrup, coconut sugar, and salt on medium heat until it boils. Stir for one minute and take off heat. Add vanilla and toss over oat mixture, adding all the rest of the ingredients, and combine well.
4. Pour mixture into parchment paper lined baking pan.
5. Bake at 300 degrees F for about 20 minutes until golden.
6. Let cool in pan before cutting in squares.
Servings: 30 squares.
