The Un-"Perfect" Bar

This past year I got hooked on Perfect Bars. They are so good! And with my on-the-go lifestyle, I believed it was acceptable to spend $1.50 (Target) on Perfect Bars for a mid-morning snack. Now that I’m at home and definitely not on-the-go (no classes to teach, no swim lessons, no storytime, etc), I couldn’t help but feel guilty about the:
1. price
2. waste of plastic wrapper I was using at home (if you know me, this is something  I feel bad about  with a  lot of our produce, as well!)
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My first attempt was ok- they were tasty, but the consistency was weird and it needed to be frozen in order to actually pick up and eat. I still wanted that nice refrigerator consistency of chewy and cool. Here’s the recipe that worked for me:

The Un-“Perfect” Bar
16oz peanut butter (used Whole Foods creamy) ($2.99-3.99)
¼ cup powder protein* (this ingredient is key on the actual taste of the bar. I used a plant-based vanilla that we had. Probably could also use whey or egg protein, too). 
¼ cup honey (I used a local brand)
⅛ cup coconut flour
⅛ cup coconut flakes
¼ cup chocolate chips (mini chips are my favorite!)

Dump all into an electric mixer and mix until all ingredients are blended. Spread into a pan and press down with a spoon until smooth. Refrigerate for 3 hours. 
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Through this process I found bars my kids loved too!!
Here’s a recipe I created for my 9mo old’s bar (again, cut plastic and control of all ingredients = win!):
Spinach and Apple Bar:
1 ½ c Oats
2 Apples peeled and cores removed
1 c Spinach
½ tsp Cinnamon
1 tsp Chia Seeds
2 tsp Flaxseed
1 tbsp Agave Syrup
Salt (pinch)
1tsbp Coconut Oil
½ tsp Baking Powder

1. 2 apples- pureed in food processor (can use apple sauce)
2. I cup spinach- pureed with apples (added to colindar)
3. 1 ½ cup oats, 2 tsp flaxseed, 1 tsp chia seeds blended
4. 1tbsp agave, 1tbsp coconut oil, pinch of salt, ½ tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp baking powder
5. Bake for 10 minutes on 350

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And here’s my 3 year old son’s favorite bar (my 9 mo old loves it too, she’ll eat just about anything!)
Crispy Oats Bar 
1 cup oats
1 cup crispy rice cereal
⅓ cup shredded coconut 
1tbsp chia seeds
1tbsp flax seeds
(*can add a tbsp of protein powder here, too!)

Mix together in a large mixing bowl.

⅓ cup peanut butter (or any nut butter)
⅓ cup agave syrup
1tbsp coconut oil
Dash of vanilla

Melt in a microwave or over a pan- just needs to get heated, so about 40 seconds. Whisk until creamy.

Add the peanut butter mixture to the oat mixture and mix together. Let cool (about 5 minutes). Add ⅓ cup of chocolate chips (I like the mini chips for this!)

Optional- chocolate topping
2tbsp almond butter
⅓ cup chocolate chips or any chocolate baking option here (powder, chips, whatever! It does not have to be super sweet)
Melt together, whisk, and add a little water (mine ended up being a little clumped, but smooth, and worked fine to spread on top!)

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