Quinoa Snack Bars
Try this quinoa snack bars recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this quinoa snack bars recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/4 cup local raw honey or maple syrup - i've used both ho
- 1/2 cup quinoa flour chickpea flour, almond flour or whole wheat flour - i used quinoa flour, as i purchased some on sale
- 1 cup cooked quinoa - you can use fresh or leftover quin
- 1 cup rolled oats - you can use gluten-free oats to keep
- 1/2 cup roasted almonds or pecans chopped - i used raw almonds and toasted them
- 1/2 cup goji berries or dried cranberries dried cherries, rasins, dried blueberries
- 1 extra-large or large egg - i always use extra larg
- 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter - i love maranatha organic pe
- Carbohydrate 55.2594241614122 g
- Cholesterol 244.025 mg
- Fat 100.159375829649 g
- Fiber 11.1289417698508 g
- Protein 11.8422816647949 g
- Saturated Fat 59.1876796662861 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (272g)
- Sodium 661.39891666439 mg
- Sugar 44.1304823915614 g
- Trans Fat 7.09112933307882 g
- Calories 1147 calories
Step-by-step
- First things first! Now if you have roasted almonds and leftover quinoa, then you can bypass the next two steps. If you don't have any leftover quinoa then you will have to cook some up.
- Bring 1 cup well rinsed quinoa and 2 cups water to a boil in a medium sauce pan. Once the quinoa has come to a boil, give it a stir, cover it, and reduce the heat to simmer.
- Cook the quinoa until all the water is absorbed, about 10-15 minutes. Note: Please check your package of quinoa for cooking instructions, as they all vary.
- The quinoa is done when its tender and you can see the little quinoa curlicues. Let the quinoa cool a bit. Note: You will have leftover quinoa, but you can use it for so many dishes throughout the week.
- Next, if you don't have roasted almonds on hand, you can toast up some raw almonds. I typically only have raw almonds in the house, so I always just toast some up when needed for a recipe.
- Just take ½ cup raw whole almonds and add them to a dry skillet set over medium heat, and swirl them around in the pan for a few minutes until they become golden brown in color.
- Roughly chop the almonds into small pieces.
- Grease a 8x8 pan and preheat your oven to 375 degrees.
- Measure out the ⅓ cup applesauce, ½ teaspoon vanilla, ⅓ cup peanut butter and ⅛ cup honey.
- Combine the applesauce, vanilla, egg, peanut butter and the honey in a medium-sized bowl, and whisk together well.
- Add to the peanut butter mixture, the ½ cup quinoa flour, 1 cup cooked quinoa, 1 cup oats, chopped nuts, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon baking soda, 1 tablespoon chia seeds and the ½ cup goji berries, and using a spatula combine until mixed together.
- Spoon the mixture into the greased 8x8 pan using a spatula to smooth out the top.
- Bake in a preheated 375 degree oven for 20-22 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let the bars cool a bit, and dig in. You can either cut up the bars and individually wrap them for on-the-go convenience, or cover the bars and cut up as needed.
My Go-To Quinoa Snack Bars: A Busy Mom's Recipe for Success
As a busy mom juggling work, kids' activities, and trying to maintain some semblance of a healthy lifestyle, I'm always on the lookout for quick, nutritious, and delicious snacks. Forget those overly processed, sugary treats – I need something that will fuel me and my family without the guilt. That's where these quinoa snack bars come in. They're incredibly easy to whip up, packed with wholesome ingredients, and surprisingly adaptable to whatever I have on hand in the pantry. Honestly, the best part? My kids actually love them!
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and flexibility. I often use leftover cooked quinoa (a fantastic time-saver!), but if I'm starting from scratch, it only takes about 15 minutes to cook. The almond-toasting step is optional too; if I’m short on time, I'll just grab a bag of pre-roasted almonds from the store. The same goes for the other ingredients. Don't have goji berries? Dried cranberries or even raisins work perfectly. Out of quinoa flour? Almond flour or whole wheat flour will do the trick. This recipe is my ultimate “use-what-you-have” masterpiece, a testament to creative cooking in the face of a busy week.
What really makes these bars special is the delightful blend of textures and flavors. The slightly chewy quinoa, the crunchy oats, the nutty almonds (or pecans, if that's what you prefer), and the touch of sweetness from honey or maple syrup create a harmonious symphony in every bite. The cinnamon adds a subtle warmth, and the chia seeds provide a boost of healthy fats and fiber. These bars are not just a convenient snack; they’re a nutritious power-packed treat that helps me keep my energy levels up throughout the day.
Beyond the Recipe: A Weekday Warrior's Guide to Snacking Smart
Life is hectic, and it’s easy to fall into the trap of grabbing whatever’s quickest, even if it’s not the healthiest. But I've found that investing a little time in preparing healthy snacks can significantly improve my energy levels and overall well-being. These quinoa bars are a perfect example. They're easy enough to make on a Sunday afternoon, ensuring I have a ready supply of healthy snacks for the week ahead.
I store them in an airtight container in the fridge, and they stay fresh for several days. This is key because it eliminates the temptation of reaching for less healthy options when hunger strikes. Preparing ahead of time empowers me to make healthier choices, which ultimately leads to more energy, better focus, and a happier me.
Tips and Tricks for Snacking Success
- Prep Ahead: Make a big batch on the weekend and portion them out into individual containers for easy grab-and-go snacks.
- Get the Kids Involved: Making these bars with your kids can be a fun and educational experience, teaching them about healthy eating and cooking.
- Customize to Your Taste: Feel free to experiment with different nuts, seeds, dried fruits, or even chocolate chips (in moderation!) to create your own unique flavor combinations.
- Freeze for Longer Storage: For even longer storage, you can freeze the bars. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
These quinoa snack bars are more than just a recipe; they're a symbol of my commitment to healthy eating, even amidst the chaos of daily life. They're a testament to the fact that nutritious and delicious don't have to be mutually exclusive. They're a simple yet satisfying solution for busy moms (and everyone else!) looking for a quick, easy, and wholesome snack that actually tastes amazing.
