No-Bake Chocolate Protein Bars with Quinoa

Instructions

1. 1

   Add quinoa and water to a medium pot; bring to a boil over medium heat.

2. 2

   Cover with a lid, reducing heat to low so mixture is at a simmer. Let cook for 15 minutes before removing from the heat.

3. 3

   Cool quinoa and refrigerate it a minimum of 2 hours or even overnight.

4. 4

   Add dates into the bowl of a food processor, pulsing to turn it into a paste. Transfer the date paste to a small bowl.

5. 5

   Next, add raw almonds into the food processor, pulsing until they break into small pieces but before they turn into flour.

6. 6

   Return dates to the food processor bowl, along with reserved quinoa, almond butter, protein powder, and (optional) honey.

7. 7

   Blend until ingredients are fully combined.

8. 8

   Divide mixture into 8 parts and form each one into a bar shape.

9. 9

   Refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours until hardened and store in an airtight container.