D is for Dinner - Protein Bars

Home-Made Protein Bars

1 cup soy protein powder*
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
2 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup oatbran
1/2 tsp cinnamon
3/4 tsp salt
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or tropical source chips*
1 cup chopped nuts and/or sunflower seeds
1 1/2 cups plain or vanilla yogourt (or soya yogurt)
 1/4 cup canola oil - preferably organic
 2 tsp vanilla extract

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees, or 325 if using a glass pan. Lightly oil a 9 by 13 inch baking pan and a baking tray or line with parchment paper.
2. Mix together the soy protein powder, flour, oats, oatbran, cinnamon and salt in a large bowl. Crumble in the brown sugar, making sure there are no lumps. Stir in the chocolate chips and nuts/seeds.
3. Measure the yogourt, oil and vanilla in a second bowl. Stirring until well combined. Add the wet mixture to the dry, and mix until thoroughly blended.
4. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan, patting it evenly into place with your hands. Bake in the center of the oven 15 minutes, then remove from the oven and cut into 20 bars. Place bars on the prepared baking tray and bake another 15 minutes, or until golden around the edges. Remove bars from the oven and place on a rack to cool.
5. Store in the freezer in a heavy plastic freezer bag. You can defrost in the microwave for 15 seconds or in a toaster oven.

*soy protein is available at bulk or natural food stores. Make sure to get unflavoured, ask if it is suitable for cooking and baking.
*tropical source chips are dairy free and available at health food stores.

Courtesy Donna Davis www.elationcentre.com