Quinoa Energy Bars

Ingredients

1 cup cooked quinoa

1/3 cup chopped walnuts

1 cup old fashioned oats

1/3 cup dried cranberries

1/4 cup shredded unsweetened coconut

1/3 cup maple syrup or agave nectar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 Tablespoons almond butter

1/2 cup cacao nibs or bittersweet chocolate chips

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Directions

1. In a large bowl combine all ingredients. Mix well.
2. Line 8x8 baking dish or pan with plastic wrap with it overhanging the edges.
3. Press mixture into dish.
4. Chill until firm at least 20 minutes.  
5. Take out of refrigerator and flip onto a cutting board.  
6. Peel off plastic wrap. 
7. Cut into 16 portions.
8. Individually wrap or layer in an airtight container with plastic wrap or wax paper.

I found this recipe in a publication called Bottom Line Health. June 2013 Issue.

http://magazine-order.com/bottom-line-health.html?adt=420580&kw=bottom+line+health

Changes I made

Substituted walnuts for raw sunflower seeds(problems with digesting sunflower seeds)

Substituted dried cranberries for dried cherries(cheaper)

Substituted old-fashioned oats for quick oats(I like the texture of old-fashioned oats better)