Valentine’s Day treat – Raw Oat & Chia Chocolate Goji Berry Bar

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It’s almost Valentine’s Day! This is always a nice time to have something sweet for your family and friends to enjoy. These squares are great packed in a lunch (they don’t even contain nuts)! One great thing about this recipe is, the ingredients are healthy, delicious and don’t contain any scary, unpronounceable ingredients! I was inspired to create this bar after having a mid afternoon coffee at Deville Coffee shop downtown Kelowna. It’s such a cool little spot to work. I enjoyed a soy London Fog (half sweet, just the way I like it) and treated myself to a very similar vegan bar. These Raw Oat & Chia Chocolate Goji Berry Bars are not too sweet, oil free and simple to prepare! No baking is needed and they require only a few ingredients that you are likely to have in your kitchen. I would classify these bars as less of a dessert and more of a mid-day goodie!

Why these bars are so great!

This is a wonderful bar to take for an after ski/hike treat. I just took them today to our x-country ski with friends, and let’s just say they are gone! They hold together well and are nutritious and filling. The only ingredient that is a little less healthy is the chocolate chips, but I mean who doesn’t need a little chocolate in their lives?! Dark chocolate actually does have health benefits, and it’s Valentine’s Day! 🙂 If you are a stickler, you can always reduce the chocolate amount for a thinner chocolate topping.

Goji berries:

Goji berries are known to be high in vitamin C and A and iron. They are immune boosting and are a good source of antioxidants.

Chia seeds and flax seeds:

Chia seeds and flax seeds are great sources of omega-3s, a fatty acid we all need more of in our lives. Getting enough in your diet is linked to a lower risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and arthritis, as well as cognitive conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Rolled oats… the bomb!

Please don’t fear grains… they are healthy as long as they are whole. In fact, did you know that oats are among the most nutrient-dense foods you can eat. Oats are high in the soluble fiber beta-glucan, which has numerous benefits. Oats helps reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels, promote healthy gut bacteria and increase feelings of fullness.

Ready to make this quick treat?

Get out your blender/food processor, loaf pan, (or pan of similar size) and all of the ingredients. Follow the instructions below and you will have yourself a treat ready to eat in a matter of minutes!

Raw Oat & Chia Chocolate Bar with Goji Berries and Pumpkin Seeds

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Serves: makes 10-12 squares Prep Time: 15 minutes

Nutrition facts: 200 calories 20 grams fat

Ingredients

• 1 cup rolled oats (quick blend to chop)
• 1/3-1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup date sugar
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds
• 1 tablespoon ground flax seeds
• a splash of plant-milk
• 2 teaspoons goji berries (can use cranberries instead)
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin seeds
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, place the chia seeds and ground flax seeds.  Add 9 tablespoons of water and the vanilla.  Stir until well mixed.  Let sit as you prepare other ingredients. Stir another 2 or 3 times as it thickens.
2. Place rolled oats in a blender and process until flakes are about half the size.  Dump ground oats into a medium sized bowl.
3. Add date sugar, cinnamon and salt to the rolled oats and stir. 
4. Once the chia and flax seeds have expanded to form a gelatinous mass, add them to the rolled oat mixture and mix well with a wooden spoon.
5. Spoon the mixture into a loaf pan and press down well with a spatula, smoothing out the top.
6. Place chocolate chips in a glass bowl along with a splash of plant-milk.  Microwave for 20-30 seconds until melted.  Be careful not to burn the chocolate.  
7. Pour the stirred chocolate sauce over the oats and smooth out with a clean spatula.  
8. Sprinkle the goji berries and pumpkin seeds on top.  
9. Place in the fridge for 15-20 minutes until slightly hardened.  
10. Slice and enjoy! 

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