Recipe ReDux Post # 21 Hearty Almond Chocolate Chip Walnut Bars

The Recipe ReDux for April is “Treasured Cookware” and this theme was all about using “classic cookware,” namely those pieces passed down from family.  Some of the best things I ever got from my mom and used growing up in the kitchen were a good set of stainless steel measuring cups and a wide spatula…not to mention a nice big mixing bowl too!!  The recipe I am sharing uses all three! These Almond Chocolate Chip Walnut Bars are a spin off of my Morning Peanut Butter Bars- a hearty nut butter and oat based bar studded with lots of yummy mix ins. The combo of the chocolate chips, coconut and walnuts works great with the almond butter and they are sweetened with a touch of pure maple syrup.  Try them as a filling breakfast, or break off a piece for a snack or dessert.  Check out these other recipes made with family treasures from the talented Recipe ReDux group.

Ingredients:

1 cup creamy or crunchy almond butter (I used Trader Joes Crunchy Salted)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/3 cup pure maple syrup  
1 cup oats (old fashioned, not quick, use a gluten-free oats such as Bob's Red Mill if you are on a gluten-free diet)

¼ cup unsweetened coconut flakes (chopped fine)
¼ cup chocolate chips

¼ cup chopped walnuts

Wax or parchment paper

Directions:

In a medium sized bowl, combine all of the ingredients and mix well. Press mixture into an 8 by 8 inch pan. (Lining the pan with a large rectangular piece of parchment paper, placing the mixture on one side and then folding the paper over to press down works nicely. The dough will be a bit crumbly, but will come together nicely as you continue to work with it and pat it down into the pan.) Chill in the fridge for an hour or more (if you can wait that long!) and cut into 8 bars and serve. Wrapping the individual bars in wax paper and storing in baggies is great for convenience.  Store in the fridge. These bars also freeze well!

Makes 8 bars

Serving size: 1/8th of recipe  Calories 340 Protein 10 g Carb 27 g Fiber 5 g Sugars 9 g Fat 24 g Saturated fat 4 g Sodium 20 mg

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