TIP: Make a big batch of these popular “No-Cook” German Chocolate Protein Bars for breakfast, and then store them in the fridge for up to 5 days (or in the freezer for a month … but they’ll never last that long!)

This recipe is a “keeper” for several reasons! First of all it’s vegan, so you can share with all of your friends … including those who follow a strict diet. And then, because no cooking is required, these Protein Bars are easy to prepare and all of the natural ingredients retain lots of healthy nutrients and flavor that would otherwise disappear in the oven. “Raw” is good!

Sarah originally created this great recipe several years ago, and has added some tweaks and improvements since then. You can plan on a prep time of approximately 20 minutes to make a dozen German Chocolate Protein Bars with this new, improved recipe. Then it’s best to put them in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to let them firm up before eating.

Here are the ingredients you’ll need:
 

• 1 cup oats
• 1⁄2 cup vegan protein powder (I used soy)
• 1⁄4 cup cocoa powder
• 1 cup Medjool dates, pitted and soaked for 30 minutes 1⁄2 cup + 1⁄4 cup chopped pecans, divided
• 1⁄2 cup + 1⁄4 cup shredded coconut, divided
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1⁄2 tsp salt
• water as needed (up to 1⁄4 cup)
• 2 tbsp cacao nibs or chocolate chips

Follow these simple instructions to make a batch of healthy German Chocolate Protein Bars:
 
 

1. In a food processor grind up the oats until they are a fine flour. Add protein and cocoa powders and blend again until well combined.

2. Drain and rinse the dates then add them to the food processor along with 1⁄2 cup of pecans, 1⁄2 cup of shredded coconut, vanilla, and salt. Blend again, adding a little water at a time, until a dough forms.

3. Transfer dough to a bowl, stir in the remaining 1⁄4 cup of pecans and coconut along with 2 tbsp cacao nibs or chocolate chips.

4. Scrape dough onto a piece of parchment paper or silicone baking mat. Cover with another piece of parchment paper and roll the bars out to about 1⁄2 inch, shaping into a square as you roll.

5. Place the bars in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours, allowing them to firm up before cutting into 12 equal pieces.

6. Store in refrigerator for 5 days or a month in the freezer.

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Source: Sarah McMinn

The post Easy NO-COOK German Chocolate PROTEIN BARS for Early Morning Energy appeared first on Top Morning Recommendations.

12 dried apricots
4 strawberries
1/3 cup water
1/4 cup peanut butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/8 teaspoon salt
4 scoops pea protein
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
2 cup oats

Follow these 3 easy steps to make these delicious Vegan Apricot Oat Energy Bars:

1. Blend 6 apricots, strawberries, water, peanut butter, vanilla, and salt in a blender or food processor 1 minute until smooth. Add protein powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg.


2. Finely chop remaining 6 apricots and place in a mixing bowl with oats. Top with blended apricot mixture. Hand-mix ingredients until they are smooth.


3. Place on a lined 8-by-8-inch cooking pan and spread mixture evenly. Freeze for 45 minutes. Remove from the freezer and cut into 6 even bars.



Nutrition score per serving:
278 calories,
8 g fat (1g saturated),
30 g carbs,
23 g protein,
4 g fiber

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Source: Heidi Kristoffer

The post Vegan Apricot Oat Energy Bars appeared first on Top Morning Recommendations.

• 2/3 cup (100 gr) steel-cut (Irish) oats
• 2/3 cup (86 gr) sunflower seeds
• 2 large peaches (3 small) + extra for topping
• Juice from 1/4 lemon
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• Pinch salt
• 1/3 cup (80 ml) water

Here are the easy preparation instructions:

1. Add oats and sunflower seeds to a medium mixing bowl. Fill with water so everything is covered by several inches, then leave on counter to soak overnight (or 6-8 hours).




2. Rinse and drain thoroughly in a fine-mesh sieve, then add to a blender along with the remaining ingredients.




3. Blend until smooth and creamy, or until you’ve reached desired consistency. Taste and adjust for salt, sweetness, and acidity level.




4. Top with more peaches and sunflower seeds and/or other toppings.

For 2 servings of Cherry Nutella Oatmeal you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2/3 cup (100 gr) steel-cut (Irish) oats
• 2/3 cup (86 gr) hazelnuts, roasted
• 2/3 cup (100 gr) pitted cherries + extra for topping
• 1 Tbsp. raw cacao
• 2-3 soft dates (or honey/maple syrup, to taste)
• Pinch salt
• 1/3 cup (80 ml) water

Here are the easy preparation instructions:

1. Add oats to a small mixing bowl. Fill with water so oats are covered by several inches, then leave on counter to soak overnight (or 6-8 hours).




2. Rinse and drain thoroughly in a fine-mesh sieve, then add to a blender along with the remaining ingredients. Blend until smooth and creamy, or until you’ve reached desired consistency.




3. Taste and adjust for salt and sweetness.




4. Top with more cherries, hazelnuts, chopped dates, and/or other toppings of your choice.

For both of these delicious No-Cook Oatmeal recipes, note that:

1. The amount of water used will depend on how thick you like your oatmeal and how much is needed to help the blending process. Water measurement  in the recipes are a suggestion.




2. This is also a great make-ahead breakfast. Make it the day before, store in a portable glass jar in the fridge, topped with fruit and/or other toppings, and it’s ready to grab and go in the morning.

Here are some suggestions for additional toppings for your oatmeal breakfast treats:

• Nut butter
• Hemp seeds
• Coconut flakes
• Bee pollen
• Chopped dates

If you would like to see more healthy recipes for early morning energy, then please Like our Facebook Page!

Source: Katie Schmidt

The post 2 Make-Ahead No-Cook Oatmeal Breakfast Favorites appeared first on Top Morning Recommendations.

What is the most nutritious breakfast you can make and consume in less than 10 minutes that doesn’t require cooking?

Nela Canovic offers her #1 reason to jump out of bed in the morning!

Continue on to the next page to see Nela’s top breakfast recommendation …

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