Toasted Pumpkin Vanilla Bars – Recipe/Trail Bars

Toasted Pumpkin Vanilla Bars – Recipe / Health Trail Bars

2 c. raw pumpkin seeds / pepitas
1 c. raw, unsweetened, coconut flakes, shredded (in food processor)
1 c. raw, unsweetened, coconut flakes (whole, for texture)
3/4 c. natural, sliced almonds
1/3 c. raw sesame seeds
1/2 c. flax seeds, ground (I used half golden flax and half brown flax – ground fresh in coffee grinder)
1/4 c. raw sunflower seeds

1/2 c. agave nectar – vanilla flavor – Madhava brand (or half vanilla, half amber)
1/2 tsp. sea salt

- parchment paper for bottom of pan (so they don’t stick)

Set oven to 350 degrees F.

In a large skillet over medium – medium/high heat, toast all ingredients, EXCEPT, agave nectar and salt. Toast until sesame seeds are golden brown (approx 10 minutes) Turn with a spatula to keep everything mixed up well – making sure they all get nice and toasted. It smells wonderful at this point even though it looks a lot like bird seed in a pan.

Remove skillet from heat and add salt and agave nectar right into the skillet and stir quickly until mixed thoroughly.

Pour entire mixture onto a bakers half sheet (13″x18″) or cookie pan lined with a sheet of parchment paper.

Spread the mixture out flat with a rubber spatula  to about 1/4″ to 1/2″ thick – mix will not reach all edges of pan (spread according to thickness you want). Firmly press on top and sides of mix with spatula to compact it.

Bake for 18-20 minutes.  Remove and let cool. Cutting your bars before the mix is completely cool makes them easier to cut.  Cut down the middle lengthwise with a knife or pizza cutter, then cut 5 individual bars out of each half .  Place completely cooled bars in baggies and store in fridge. (makes 10 bars – approx 5.5″ x 3″ )  You can cut them any size you like depending on what you’re using them for. Once they are all bagged up – they are grab-and-go!

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I have them for breakfast, snacks or a quickie meal on the go. You can even break them up and put them on cereal or greek yogurt, etc.. I had one in the truck today and it was really warm out – it got a little soft – and this is where the baggie comes in handy – but still very good!

Please post your comments/feedback at www.o2bme.wordpress.com. I will be working on some new versions of tasty – good for you bars.