Quinoa Power Bars

• 2 cups quinoa flakes
• 1 cup chopped cashews
• 1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds
• 1/3 cup ground flax seeds
• 1/3 cup chia seeds
• 3/4 cup dried cherries, chopped
• 1/2 cup carob or chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons almond butter
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 2/3 cup maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• melted chocolate (optional), for drizzling

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Toss the quinoa flakes, cashews and sunflower seeds and toast for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Place in a large bowl and allow to cool slightly.
5. Add in flax seeds, chia seeds, dried cherries and chocolate chips.
6. In a small saucepan, melt coconut oil.
7. Add almond butter, applesauce and maple syrup.
8. Bring to a boil and lower heat to medium low.
9. Cook for 3 minutes and stir in vanilla and sea salt.
10. Pour mixture over dry ingredients.
11. Transfer mixture to a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper and press into a rectangle.
12. Bake for 10 minutes.
13. Allow to cool and then place into refrigerator until firm.
14. Cut into desired shape.
15. Drizzle with chocolate if desired.

quinoa flakes, cashews, sunflower seeds, ground flax seeds, chia seeds, dried cherries, carob, coconut oil, almond butter, unsweetened applesauce, maple syrup, vanilla, salt, chocolate

Taken from www.foodrepublic.com/recipes/quinoa-power-bars-recipe/ (may not work)