Protein Energy Bars

• 14 oz (about 18-20) Medjool dates, pitted

• 1/4 cup maple syrup

• 2 cups boiling water

• 2 tbsp. chia seeds

• 3 cups old fashioned oats

• 3/4 cup pepitas/raw pumpkin seeds

• 1/2 cup sunflower seeds

• 1 cup dried cranberries

• 1/2 cup cocoa nibs

• pinch sea salt

• 2 tbsp. ground cinnamon

  Preheat the oven to 350F. Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with either coconut oil or cooking spray. Place the dates in a saucepan with the boiling water and simmer for 5-8 minutes or until very soft. Place the oats, pepitas, cranberries, sunflower seeds, sea salt, cocoa nibs and cinnamon in a large bowl. Once the dates are cooked, place them and the remaining water in a blender along with the chia seeds and maple syrup. Blend until smooth. Pour the mixture over the oats and mix together thoroughly until coated and sticky. Pour until pan and press down firmly and smooth out the top. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until the stop starts to be golden brown. When done, remove from oven and cut before they cool. Makes 20 bars.