Fruit & Veggie Bars

I have been working on making a fruit & veg bar ever since I tried Larabar's new Fruits + Greens bar. It wasn't actually so much for myself, but for Everly. She loves Larabar's, and they're so convenient when we are on the road or traveling. I love them for their real and minimal ingredients, but buying them can get expensive. Thus began my endeavor to make my own.

I finally got a winner, and they have only 4 ingredients!! Brazil nuts, dried figs, spinach and oats! I gave Everly a taste and she approved. I am seriously so excited about them and can't wait to try other variations. They are gluten-free, vegan and refined sugar-free! Brazil nuts are the top food source for selenium. Selenium fights inflammation, lifts your mood, is a heart-health booster and helps thyroid control. Figs are high in antioxidants and full of fiber, potassium and numerous other nutrients. Spinach is full of antioxidants and also very nutrient-dense. Oats are a good source of fiber and high in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants as well. Basically these bars have all the health benefits and I feel SO good about giving them to Everly! Check out the recipe below.

Fruit & Veggie Bars

Makes: 7 bars

Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

1 cup brazil nuts (you could probably sub any nut, but I haven't tried others yet)
1 cup dried figs (you could sub prunes)
1 cup packed fresh spinach
3/4 cup quick oats
Note: If the mixture isn't sticky enough, add a few tbs of water or coconut oil

Instructions:

Blend brazil nuts in a food processor until smooth. Next add the spinach, figs and oats and blend until combined and the mixture comes together and is sticky.
Dump the mixture into a parchment lined loaf pan and press down until very compact.
Place in the freezer for 10 minutes so it can harden a bit. Then remove it from the freezer and lift the parchment paper out of the pan. It will be easier for you to cut them into bars now.
Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container, or individually wrap in saran wrap for easy on-the-go snacks!