Network Magazine winter 2015 | Page 22

Muesli Power Bars When that mid-morning or afternoon hunger sets in, make sure you’re prepared with healthy emergency foods to help keep you on the right track. Fresh fruit, trail mix or yoghurt make a terrific snack, and so do these delicious homemade muesli bars that will take the edge off any hunger and are much healthier than the traditional store-bought versions. These bars take around 5 minutes to mix up from your favourite bircher muesli combo, then all you need to do is bake them. Like most muesli bars, I’ve made mine with rolled oats. What’s great about it? The soluble fibre can help lower blood cholesterol, and because they are low GI they can provide lasting energy. If you’re on a gluten-free or paleo diet, just substitute the oats for nuts, seeds and sun-dried fruit. These muesli bars provide a good source of protein to help keep you fuller for longer, and I’ve used a little olive oil which is kind to the arteries and anti-inflammatory to the body. Serves 16 Time: 35 mins Inspiration Ingredients 3 cups (350g) natural bircher muesli (see Inspiration below for gluten-free) ½ cup (50g) LSA – (ground linseed, almonds and sunflower seed) 3 organic eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or paste ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon ¼ cup (60ml)  olive oil or macadamia nut oil ¼ cup (60ml) honey Preheat WINTER oven to 160°C fan forced. The Healthy Chef shares her favourite way to start a Winter’s day and an energising snack that will see you waving goodbye to store-bought muesli bars forever. RECIPES: TERESA CUTTER 22 | NETWORK WINTER 2015 Combine muesli, LSA, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, olive oil and honey in one large bowl until mixed through. Spoon  into a baking tin lined with baking paper. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden. Cool then cut into 16 pieces. • For gluten-free or paleo diets substitute bircher muesli with 3 cups combined (almond meal, seeds, walnuts and sun-dried fruit). • Double the protein to 10grams per serve and add 3 tablespoons of Healthy Chef Pure Native WPI Protein. • For those with egg allergies, replace with mashed banana in the recipe. • These bars will keep in an airtight container for up to five days. • Store in the fridge.