Seeded Energy Bars

Don't get me wrong, I love my granola bars, but I was in the mood for a different kind of noshy, healthy snack. I've been really enjoying the Oh She Glows blog lately, mainly because the woman who writes it is everything I want to be in life (a vegan, a parent, and a Canadian citizen), and this recipe seemed like something she would make. It's super easy, super tasty, and will give you superhero powers. I'm kidding about the last part, but it is full of lots of good-for-you stuff. Change it up with a different fruit puree or different seeds/nuts.

Seeded Energy Bites (makes 8-12, depending on how you cut them)

1 cup oats
Scant 1 cup cashews
8-10 dates (depending on how sweet you want it)
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1/4 cup hemp seeds
1/4 cup chia seeds
2 Tbls. pumpkin seeds
2 Tbls. flax seed

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Soak your dates in warm water while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.

Pulse together the oats and cashews in the food processor several times until they resemble small crumbs.

Measure out the rest of your ingredients and set aside. Pit the dates and discard the pits. Add the date flesh to the food processor and pulse several times until the dates are chopped into pieces the size of a small marble. Run the food processor on low for just a bit to mix everything. It should still look like crumbs, you don't want it blended.

Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and stir in the pumpkin puree, then the seeds.

Grease a large pan and spread the mixture evenly into it. Press down with your hands to flatten. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until set.

Let cool, then cut into bars. Refrigerate if you have any left after a few days.