Paleo power bars

My household has been in search of a protein bar substitute. Between us, my husband and I have tried a dozen recipes. We had yet to find a good one .. until now.

The kiddo and I tried yet another paleo protein bar recipe yesterday and it was wonderful. I loved them, the kiddo said they were "the best thing ever" and my husband even said we found "the" recipe.

We followed the recipe exactly when making our

first batch. They were yummy, but they were a bit crumbly.

The kiddo and I made a second batch today and we added both an egg and an extra tablespoon of almond butter. The kiddo, of course, insisted on adding chocolate chips. Not one to disagree with chocolate, in went the chips. The result was a moist bar that held its shape. (I'm sure the chocolate was the key.) I did bake them a bit longer and the result was well worth the wait.

Paleo protein bars

from Crossfit Fenrir

(makes 12 bars)

1/2 cup pecans

1/2 cup walnuts

1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

1/4 cup almond flour

3/4 cup whey protein powder

1/4 cup + 1 tblsp almond butter

1/4 cup coconut oil

1 1/2 tsp vanilla

2 eggs

1/2 cup chopped dates

1/4 cup carob chips or mini chocolate chips

Toast the pecans, walnuts and shredded coconut in a dry skillet or in the oven. In a food processor, pulse the toasted nuts until they are the consistency of coarse crumbs. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and add in the almond flour and protein powder.

In a separate bowl, melt the almond butter and coconut oil. When cooled, stir in the eggs and vanilla. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix. Fold in the dates and carob/chocolate chips.

Spread mixture into an 8x8 pan (no need to grease the pan) and bake at 325 for 15 - 18 minutes. Cool for at least 15 minutes before cutting into bars.

Try not to eat all of them at once. :)