Building a Better Bar: Easy Snacks On The Go

Here's a simple recipe for homemade protein bars using dates, dried berries, egg white protein, and nuts:

Ingredients:

- 1 cup pitted dates

- 1/2 cup dried berries (such as cranberries or blueberries)

- 1 cup egg white protein powder

- 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, or your choice)

- 1/4 cup almond butter

- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. In a food processor, blend dates and dried berries until they form a sticky paste.

2. Add egg white protein powder, mixed nuts, almond butter, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the food processor.

3. Pulse the mixture until all ingredients are well combined and the nuts are chopped into small pieces.

4. Line a square or rectangular baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.

5. Transfer the mixture into the prepared dish and press it down firmly and evenly.

6. Place the dish in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours to allow the bars to firm up.

7. Once firm, lift the bars out of the dish using the parchment paper overhang, and cut them into individual bars.

8. Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for freshness.

These homemade protein bars are a delicious and nutritious snack, packed with natural sweetness from dates, the tartness of dried berries, the protein punch from egg white protein, and the crunch of mixed nuts. Enjoy!