MAHA - Homemade Granola Bars and Energy Bites

In the next installment of MAHA, we are going to make homemade granola bars and energy bites.

Peanut Butter Protein Energy Bites

(from the Jazzercise Instagram reel :)

½ cup natural peanut butter (or almond butter)
¼ cup honey
1/3 cup protein powder of choice
1/3 cup flaxseed meal
½ cup rolled oats
½ teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1 tablespoon mini chocolate chips (optional)

Using a food processor, mix all the ingredients except the chocolate chips until well-combined. Fold in chocolate chips (if using).
Scoop and roll dough into 10 balls and place into an airtight container.
Store in refrigerator for up to one week or in the freezer for up to two months.

Granola Bars

2 cups (160 g) quick oats* (you can use old-fashioned oats, but the texture will be chewier)
1/4 cup (28 g) freshly-milled flour or almond flour
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
6 tablespoons (120 g) honey
1/4 cup (64 g) peanut or almond butter)
1/4 cup (60 ml) milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup (80 g) add-ins (chocolate chips, dried fruit, nuts, etc.)

Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare an 8 x 8 baking pan by lining it with a sheet of parchment paper, leaving a few inches of overhang on the sides to allow for easy removal. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, flour, and salt.
Add the honey, peanut butter, milk, and vanilla, mixing until well-combined.
Stir in your add-ins.
Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking pan, using a spatula to spread it out evenly and slightly pack it down.
Bake for 20 – 22 minutes, until the edges begin to turn golden brown.
Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 10 minutes before cutting.
Wrap in parchment paper and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Other flavor options:
cranberries + pumpkin seeds + chocolate
coconut shreds + chocolate
white chocolate + cranberries
dried blueberries + almonds + coconut shreds