Vegan POWer Energy Bars

Chewy, chocolaty and full of hidden power sources!

My husband, Jim, has been riding further and further on his mountain bike lately. With a bad knee, it's one of the few ways he can get a really good workout -- and Boy! does he get a workout! When his average miles started going over 25, I thought it was time to see if I could come up with a vegan, whole foods alternative to the popular sports bars out there.

Although my official taste tester (Jim) kept assuring me that these were truly working, I didn't believe him until I tried them myself at about mile 8 of a 16 mile "easy" ride yesterday. A little 2.5 inch by 1.5 inch square gave me a shot of energy that made the ride back even more pleasant than the ride out - and I was really feeling tired before our rest stop!

Mission Figs

The idea for the mix of ingredients came while on a visit to a local farm store, where they had an abundance of dark, ripe, mission figs. Beyond a store-bought fig newton, I'd never tried a fig before, but they looked so tempting... I had to try some! :-)

The Health Benefits of Figs

Figs are a uniquely nutritious fruit, as they have the highest amount of calcium of any fruit, and 100g (3.5 oz) of dried figs contains 16% of the daily recommended amount. Figs are also an excellent source of dietary fiber. Fruit fiber has been shown to significantly lower the risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women. It is also very filling and can help to take the edge off appetite. 

Figs are also a good source of iron, magnesium, potassium, B vitamins, as well as vitamin K. Figs contain different types of antioxidants and have been shown in studies to raise antioxidant activity. Antioxidants mop up free radicals, which may contribute to the development of cancer, heart disease and the visible signs of aging by damaging DNA and other body systems. The riper the fig, the more antioxidants it contains.

Fig leaves are also surprisingly healthy. Several cultures use the leaves in cooking, particularly to wrap meats and fish. Studies have shown that an extract of fig leaves will increase insulin sensitivity, and may be useful for preventing diabetes. Studies on animals have also shown fig leaves to reduce the likelihood of heart disease and possibly kill cancer cells as well. (from FitDay.com)

The recipe looks like more trouble than it really is, due to the list of ingredients, but it makes a TON of energy bars that you can keep in the freezer for months. The taste and the kick of pure vegan energy you get will definitely make it worth your time.

Shopping / Ingredient List:

10-12 Fresh Figs
Brown Sugar
Soy or Almond Milk
Vanilla
Corn Starch
All Purpose Flour
Whole Wheat Flour
Baking Soda
Sea Salt
Cinnamon
Old Fashioned or Quick Oats
Raisins
Vegan Chocolate Chunks
Cocoa Powder
Shelled Sunflower Seeds

Recipe for Vegan POWer Energy Bars (AKA Jim's Bike Bars)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In your food processor: 

Pulse 10-12 figs (stems removed) until they are the consistency of jam. Set aside.

Process 1 cup of shelled sunflower seeds until they are a smooth paste. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

processed figs

processed nuts

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup soy milk (or use almond or coconut milk to add those flavors)

2 tsp vanilla

2 Tbsp corn starch

Mix well

Add in:

1 cup all purpose flour

1 cup whole wheat flour
1 tsp baking soda

2 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp sea salt

2 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats

1 cup raisins

1/2 cup "EnjoyLife" vegan chocolate chunks

Mix until dry ingredients are incorporated, then spread onto baking sheet (one with a lip works best) that has been lightly sprayed with canola spray. Spread evenly, so that dough is 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick. (Thicker will be chewier and might take a couple of minutes longer in the oven)

Cook at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes. (Done when edges start to brown)

Let cool thoroughly before cutting into squares and/or adding top drizzle (optional).

For Chocolate Drizzle Topping: 

Mix boiling water with 4 Tbsps each Cocoa and Sugar to create chocolate drizzle/icing (as shown)

Freeze when bars and topping are completely cool.