Super Seedy Hemp Protein Bars

This is me jumping on the protein bar bandwagon.  Everywhere from the blogosphere to grocery stores seem to be full of protein bars, and I've been thinking it's about time I made my own version. Today I'm driving down to the Naval Academy with Nick to see the Patriot League track and field championships, so I couldn't think of a better time to whip up a batch.  Both of us were on the track team at Lafayette College, and I love a good track meet. Go Leopards!

I decided to base my bar around hemp seeds because they are naturally packed with protein and omega 3's.  Also, raw hemp protein is my favorite protein powder because there is only one ingredient.  I'm all about simplicity when it comes to my food.  These bars are naturally sweetened with dates and figs, so they provide sustained energy with some serious fruit power.  With hemp protein as the star of these bars, I chose to use only seeds and no nuts.  Seeds are often forgotten in my diet because my love of nuts is so great, so to change it up I only used seeds here.

Just for fun, I completed these already super seed bars with some dried goji berries and cacao nibs to really round out the super food ingredient list.  They have a nice, chewy texture with a little crunch from the goji berries and cacao nibs.  These are by far the best protein bars I have ever had.  If you like good food, protein bars should be no exception.  Big flavor and nutrition can be achieved with minimal ingredients.  Energize your weekend with super-food power!

Super Seedy Hemp Protein Bars

yield: 8 bars

8 dried figs (I used kalamata figs)
8 dates, pitted and soaked if they are not very soft (I used medjool)
1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1/4 cup raw hemp seeds (or pumpkin seeds)
1/4 cup raw hemp protein powder
1/4 cup tahini
2 Tbsp chia seeds
1 Tbsp cinnamon
2 Tbsp dried goji berries
2 Tbsp cacao nibs

Directions:
Process the dates, figs, and unsweetened coconut until a wet dough forms.  Add the pumpkin seeds, hemp protein powder, tahini, and cinnamon.  Process until combined.  Pulse in the chia seeds, goji berries, and cacao nibs.

Lightly grease a 8x8 inch pan with coconut oil and dump the contents of the food processor in the pan. Press the mixture into the pan, making it even across the entire bottom.  Refrigerate for at least an hour before cutting.  Store in an airtight container in the fridge.