So I have neglected this blog for an entire year and I have realized, unfortunately, that I miss adventuring. Now while I am stuck on campus finishing off my senior year, there is no reason for life to be boring! So I have decided to pick up this blog again in honor of my favorite type of adventure--cooking!
I love to cook and talk about food so I hope you feel inspired to try some new recipes! Everything here is vegan, sugar-free and absolutely delicious (I promise).
Oh and please email me any time with your adventures (kitchen related or not)! Email me at KarinaHCosta@gmail.com.

Monday, February 1, 2010

VEGAN POWER BARS!

Ok, they are not really that intense. Well, maybe they are. These babies are my new favorite on-the-go snack and they have so much protein in them I bet they challenge those nasty protein bars those jacked-up kids from the gym munch on. Or something.

Vegan Protein Bars

Ingredients:
  • 2 cup cooked quinoa
  • 2 cup raw oats
  • 1/2 cup smooth nut butter (I used almond...but peanut butter would work too!)
  • 1/2 cup milk substitute (I used almond milk)
  • 1/3 cup agave (or honey, maple syrup, etc.)
  • 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup each of some fun stuff, ie dried fruit, chocolate chips, diced nuts, anything you want!
Directions:
  • preheat oven on 350F
  • cook the quinoa! (about 1/2 cup dried quinoa equals 2 cups, but I also make extra to have for left overs.) Make sure the quinoa is cooked thoroughly and not too wet, otherwise the bars might have a weird texture.
  • While the quinoa is cooling, assemble the other ingredients.
  • Once the quinoa is cool enough to be handled with your hands, combine the ingredients in a 7x11 baking pan.
  • Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the top is starting to harden.
Once out of the oven I would recommend letting them cool in the fridge covered overnight so they firm up. After that, slice them up for an easy snack!