Dark Chocolate Almond Banana Bites

A few weeks ago we shared with you our Dark Chocolate Drizzled Fruit Skewers and now we are sharing another one of our favorite new treat recipes!  We still had bananas left over so we decided that they would be good dipped in chocolate and rolled in crushed almonds...and they were delicious!  This is another recipe that kids will love to help make and eat!

Dark Chocolate Almond Banana Bites

Ingredients:

• Bananas
• Quality Dark Chocolate (70% or higher - We used Lindt Dark Chocolate 85%)
• Raw Almonds, crushed

Directions:

1. Cut bananas into bite size pieces.

2. Melt chocolate (heat in microwave in increments of 30 seconds) and roll banana bites into melted chocolate. Roll over crushed almonds.

3. Freeze, refrigerate, or serve right away.

These bite size pieces are perfect for dessert at home or to take to a party to share with friends!  They are a great treat without the guilt!

Trail Mix Protein Bars

It's been a while since we posted a make-your-own protein bar recipe, but rest assured, we have been saving a good one for the right time. And that time is now! Ready, go! Here is our latest concoction - a little sweet and maybe a little more treat (the way it tastes, not the mets!), this will satisfy your sweet tooth AND repair those muscles. Think "Hello" beautiful arms and "Bye Bye" body fat! These are similar consistency (and taste) to Lara Bars.

Eat Clean Trail Mix Protein Bars

Ingredients:

• 1/3 c raw almonds (not roasted or salted)
• 1/3 c dried, pitted dates
• 1/3 c dried cranberries
• 1/3 c raw sunflower seeds (not roasted or salted)
• 1/4 c raw pumpkin seeds (not roasted or salted)
• 3 TBSP dark chocolate, 70% cocoa or greater

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• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
• 2/3 c coconut or almond milk
• 1 tsp honey
• 1 egg

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. 
2. Combine the first 6 ingredients into a food processor and pulse/chop until most pieces are broken up and sliced.
3. Add protein powder, coconut or almond milk, honey and egg to the food processor and pulse several times to combine. 
4. Line an 8"x8" baking dish with parchment paper and spread mixture evenly onto the dish.  
5. Bake in oven for 15 minutes at 350 degrees F. 
6. Allow bars to cool in your refrigerator for 45 minutes to 1 hour to harden and "set."

A few things to note:

• Step 1 is VERY loud! You may want to think twice about doing this after just putting the baby down - personal experience!
• Bars do not have preservatives and must be refrigerated to last more than a few hours. Bars will stay in refrigeration for approximately 2 days. (Make a half batch if it's just you!)
• These are higher in fat than our other bars due to the fact they are made primarily with nuts. These should count toward your healthy fats for your day.

Recipe makes 12 bars.

Metrics per bar:

• Calories: 193
• Protein: 7g
• Carbs: 20g
• Fat: 11g

Chocolate Oatmeal Almond Butter Cookies

Chocolate Oatmeal Almond Butter Cookies

adapted from Eat Clean Magazine's Chocolate Chip Almond Butter Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Almond Butter, stirred well
• 1/4 cup Gluten Free Rolled Oats
• 1/4 cup Sucanat Sugar 
• 1 large egg
• 3/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 3 oz dark chocolate (try Lindt Extra Dark Chocolate 85% Cocoa), broken into small pieces

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

2. In a medium bowl, combine the first six ingredients until blended. Stir in Chocolate.

3. Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls on to parchment lined baking sheets or non-stick baking sheets.

4. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned.

5. Let cool for approximately five minutes on baking sheets. Remove to a wire rack and let cool for 15 more minutes.

Yields approximately 24 cookies.

He & She Tip: These cookies actually freeze well. Just wrap each individually in plastic wrap and pop in your freezer.

Happy Baking!