no bake protein bars

I've started school! It's so good to be working toward something big! Even though its four to six long years until I get my degree (I'm studying nutrition) I'm loving the change and purpose I now have in my life. It's been the perfect amount of time out of school, well, maybe a little too long (8 years!), but I am so excited to be back and studying! I am definitely that older girl in class who has all her homework done early and takes way too many notes. I'm probably the only one in most of my classes who is actually interested in the material. Its awesome.

Anyway, I'm sure you are looking at this post to find a recipe, not to hear what a big nerd I am, so... here it is:

• 10 dates, soaked for about ten minutes to soften
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/2 cup peanut butter (I use the freshly ground 100% peanuts kind)
• 1 scoop protein powder ( I use Garden of Life original RAW protein powder)
• pinch of salt
• 3 cups rolled oats
• 1/2 cup raw almonds, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup chia seeds
• 1/4 cup hemp seeds

Blend the dates (drained), maple syrup, peanut butter, protein powder, and salt in a food processor or blender. Scrape into a large mixing bowl. Next, blend two cups of the rolled oats, just a little, so they are still quite coarse. Mix in the blended oats, the gooey date mixture, and the rest of the oats. Add the almonds (you could really use any nut you want), raisins, hemp seeds, and chia seeds.

Line a glass baking dish with plastic wrap. This is so you can remove it easily from the pan. Press the mixture into the pan, getting out as many air bubbles as possible, and making it as flat and even as possible. Let set in the freezer for about 20 min.

Once its firmed up, flip it out onto a cutting board, use the edges of the plastic wrap to help loosen it. Then cut into desired sized bars! These are super hearty and dense so I cut mine into pretty small squares.

Perfect for an in-between-class snack!