Many people rely on energy bars for a quick snack or even as a meal replacement. Over the past few years the snack bar options have improved dramatically, but many bars still have too many grams of sugar. Seamus Mullen, chef and cookbook author, recently wrote an article for a health magazine with a power bar recipe that looked so good, it prompted me to try them. These bars are delicious, require no cooking and are a breeze to make. The ingredients are a good combination of protein, healthy fat, sugar and carbs.

• 1 cup roasted almonds
• 1 1/4 cup pitted dates
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened dried coconut
• 3/4 cup water (plus more if needed)
• 1/4 cup high-quality cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons expresso-grind coffee (I only had auto-drip grind and it worked fine)
• 1 teaspoon chia seeds
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil (it is solid at room temperature)
• 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt

In a food processor, pulse almonds, dates and dried coconut with water until combined, but still retaining its texture.

Remove the bowl and fold in the remaining ingredients, adding water as needed.

Spread evenly on a cookie sheet in a one-inch layer and cool in the refrigerator.

Once set (they’ll still be soft), cut into bite-size pieces and wrap with wax paper. Store in the refrigerator until ready to eat.

Source: Men’s Health Journal