OH! Magazine - Australian Version March 2014 (Australian Version) | Page 20

MEG GILLMER NUT-FREE POWER BARS Nuts aren’t for everyone. Some people have an allergy or intolerance, some don’t like the taste and more recently, schools are becoming “nut-free zones”. These nut-free, protein power bars are easy to make and a great way to use up cooked quinoa. You can even make other substitutions if need be, such as using quinoa flakes in place of oats. The dates provide plenty of sweetness, the seeds give a delightful crunch and the quinoa is a great source of carbohydrate and protein. What you’ll need: 2/3 cup packed, pitted dates 1/3 cup sunflower seed butter 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats 1 cup cooked, cooled quinoa  1/3 cup sunflower seeds (or chopped pecans, if not nut-free) ¼ cup pepitas 1 tablespoon water 20 ISSUE 8 ( OH! MAGAZINE ) How to make it: 1. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with baking paper. 2. Pulse the dates in a food processor until finely chopped. Add nut butter, salt and vanilla; process until blended.  3. Add the oats, cooled quinoa, and pecans; pulse until mixture forms a dough.  4. Add pepitas; pulse 1 or 2 times to just combine then add water. 5. Press mixture into prepared pan (use a large piece of wax paper or plastic wrap to smooth and spread mixture flat). 6. Freeze for at least 1 hour. Lift mixture from pan and transfer to a cutting board. Cut into 12 bars. www.thewholesomeathlete.com.au ( OH Yum! )