Nut & Seed Bars – Heart Healthy Greek

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Nut & Seed Bars featuring heart-healthy ingredients and Greek flavor

Nut & Seed Bars – Heart Healthy Greek

Are you looking for a delicious and nutritious snack that’s easy to make at home? Look no further than these Nut & Seed Bars, inspired by heart-healthy Greek ingredients! Packed with wholesome nuts and seeds, these bars are not only tasty but also provide a boost of energy and nutrients. Perfect for breakfast, a mid-afternoon snack, or even a post-workout treat, they are versatile and satisfying. Let’s dive into this quick and easy recipe that will make your taste buds sing and keep your heart happy!

What Goes into This Nut & Seed Bars

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these delightful bars:

  • 1 cup (100g) mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, pistachios)
  • 1 cup (100g) seeds (pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds)
  • 1 cup (250g) oats
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) honey or maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) almond or peanut butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2g) cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1g) salt
  • 1/2 cup (75g) dried fruits (cranberries, apricots, or raisins)

How to Make Nut & Seed Bars

Creating these heart-healthy bars is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish (about 8×8 inches or 20×20 cm) with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed nuts, seeds, and oats. Stir well to combine.
  3. In a small saucepan over low heat, mix together the honey (or maple syrup) and almond butter until melted and well combined.
  4. Remove the saucepan from heat and add the cinnamon and salt to the mixture. Stir until smooth.
  5. Pour the warm mixture into the nut and seed mix. Add the dried fruits and mix well until everything is coated evenly.
  6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, pressing down firmly to create an even layer.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
  8. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool completely in the dish.
  9. Once cooled, lift out the parchment paper, and cut into bars.

The Best Way to Serve It

These Nut & Seed Bars are fantastic on their own, but here are some serving suggestions to take them to the next level:

  • Serve them with a side of fresh fruit or yogurt for a wholesome breakfast.
  • Pair them with your favorite herbal tea or a smoothie for a refreshing snack.
  • Crumble them over a bowl of oatmeal or yogurt for added texture and flavor.
  • Wrap them individually for an easy grab-and-go snack for work or the gym.

Recipe Tips & Variations

Here are a few tips to customize your Nut & Seed Bars and make them even more enjoyable:

  • Feel free to swap out the nuts or seeds based on what you have on hand or your personal preference.
  • For an extra crunch, consider adding dark chocolate chips or coconut flakes to the mixture before baking.
  • If you want to make these bars even more filling, try adding a scoop of protein powder to the dry ingredients before mixing.

Nut & Seed Bars FAQs

1. How do I store these bars?
Keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer freshness, store them in the fridge.

2. Can I use different sweeteners?
Yes! You can substitute honey with agave syrup, maple syrup, or even brown sugar. Just be mindful that it may change the texture slightly.

3. How can I make these bars vegan?
To make the Nut & Seed Bars vegan, simply use maple syrup instead of honey and ensure your nut butter is vegan-friendly.

Whether you’re enjoying these Nut & Seed Bars at home or on the go, they’re sure to become a favorite in your snack repertoire. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll love the combination of flavors and health benefits! Happy snacking!