The Max Power Bar

Nobody snuggles with Max Power. You strap yourself in and feel the G's!

Homer Simpson (A.K.A Max Power)

First of all, if you don't recognise the above quote get out! We cannot be friends!
Just kidding... but seriously, educate yourself...

Secondly, like Homer's hairdryer-inspired moniker, I too was looking for a name which would reflect the energy boosting, hunger fighting, Apocalypse defying powers of my latest kitchen experiment. Ok, maybe not that last one, but they're still pretty good!

Presenting the Max Power Bar

 

Not only are they delicious but they are also gluten free, dairy free and use only natural fats and sugars. 

When making these I was casually throwing things into a food processor and began to wonder how they would turn out if I used different 'cooking' methods. Being the curious type I split the final mixture into three separate batches. 

One I simply put in the fridge and allowed it to set that way. 

The second I baked in the oven.

As a happy compromise, for the third batch I left it in a 40 degree C oven for a couple of hours.

I am pleased to announce that all three techniques worked perfectly so this recipe is perfectly fine for those sticking with a raw diet. You can simply use the first or third method and you are still within the rules (alternatively instead of using a low set oven you could use a dehydrator).

I have to admit that I slightly preferred those which had been baked at a higher temperature. They were still chewy and soft like the other two but had the added bonus of a slightly crisp topping. But each to their own! 

One more thing. Not only are these bars quick and easy to make but you can also throw in whatever nuts, seeds, fruits you have lying around! Sesame seeds, gogi berries, dried blueberries, pineapple pieces... you are only limited by your imagination (and your budget...)!

The Max Power Bar

1 cup pitted dates

1 cup dried apricots

1/2 cup raw almonds

1/2 cup raw walnuts

1 cup mixed seeds (I used sunflower seeds and pepitas)

1/2 cup shredded coconut

1 cup quinoa flakes (could alternatively use rolled oats for a non-GF version)

2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 cup pure honey

1/3 cup unhulled tahini

1/3 cup dried cranberries 

1/4 cup dessicated coconut 

In a food processor blend the dates, apricots, almonds and walnuts until well chopped and coming together into a sticky mix.

Add all of the remaining ingredients except for the dessicated coconut and blend until it is all combined. 

Line a baking dish with non-stick paper (the size you use will depend on how dense you want your bars but I would recommend a 30cm x 20cm pan) and press the mix firmly into the tray. Sprinkle with the dessicated coconut and lightly press it into the mix.

Next part is really up to you: 

1. You can refrigerate the dish for at least an hour or until it sets,

2. You can bake it in an oven set to 180 degrees C for 15min or until lightly browned on top, or

3. You can put it in a food dehydrator or an oven set to 40 degrees C for 5 hours    

If you use either the second or third method allow the mixture to cool completely to room temperature before slicing it up.

Enjoy! XO 

Nobody snuggles with Max Power. You strap yourself in and feel the G's. - See more at: http://www.planetclaire.org/quotes/simpsons/season-ten/#Homer_to_the_M

Nobody snuggles with Max Power. You strap yourself in and feel the G's. - See more at: http://www.planetclaire.org/quotes/simpsons/season-ten/#Homer_to_the_Max

Nobody snuggles with Max Power. You strap yourself in and feel the G's. - See more at: http://www.planetclaire.org/quotes/simpsons/season-ten/#Homer_to_the_Max

Nobody snuggles with Max Power. You strap yourself in and feel the G's. - See more at: http://www.planetclaire.org/quotes/simpsons/season-ten/#Homer_to_the_Max