chocolate peanut butter protein bars

hi everyone! so i've experimented a few times this week with this recipe, and i've really only had one true fail.  the other attempts have all turned out tasting yummy, just in different ways.  if you're a coconut person, then you'd probably like the version with coconut oil best.  if not, just leave it out! today i'll share a simple version, but at the end of the post i'll make some notes about the different versions i've tried. 

chocolate peanut butter protein bars 

1 cup peanut butter (i use adams natural no stir peanut butter)

1/4 cup natural honey 

1 tsp vanilla 

1 and a hald tbs cocoa powder (unsweetened) 

1 cup oats 

1. start with your vanilla and honey.  pour them into your pan, and then heat slowly to medium low heat.

2. as the honey heats, it should become thin, and easy to combine with the vanilla. after your vanilla and honey are combined, add in your peanut butter. 

3. as the peanut butter heats, it will become thin and easily combine with the honey and vanilla mixture. next, add your coco powder. 

4. after adding the coco powder, your mixture will become a little thicker.  move the heat down to low, and stir for about a minute while you wait for the heat to go down. 

5. add your oats 1/2 a cup at a time.  after you add both half cups of oats, your mixture should be dry and a little crumbly.  

6. move from the pan into a small casserole dish (8X8 or 9X9 work well) and push down to flatten out. 

7. allow to sit out for at least an hour (two is better) before eating

8. after sitting, cut, and enjoy!! 

as you can see in the last three pictures, because this version has no oil, it is a little dry and crumbly.  if you want them to have more of a consistency of no bake cookies, add extra light olive oil for no added taste, or coconut oil for a slight coconut taste.  i think adding the coconut is my favorite! 

this recipe also works well if you add in a teaspoon of chia seeds, coconut oil, or substitute other nut butters for the peanut butter.  try out your own recipe and let me know how it works with #naturalieclean! 

enjoy!

natalie

simply perfect apple cider

hi all! welcome to naturalie clean! i've wanted to start a food blog for a while, and i hope you enjoy using my recipes as much as i enjoy sharing them.  i will focus on sharing whole, natural, healthy foods-- but only tasty ones!

so, i've never really been an apple cider gal.  i love hot chocolate, and i always have.  i always heard people talk about how much the love wassail and cider, but i never really liked either.  

*enter the simply perfect apple cider* 

after finding this recipe around a week ago, i have made it four times, and drank almost all of it myself.  it's getting chilly here in utah, and i looooove having this cider to warm me up! the only thing is, i don't know if i like the way this makes my house smell, or the way it tastes more!  i think my very favorite part, though, it the fact that there is no sugar or added sweetener in this recipe! it's basically just warmed up fresh apple juice, with some orange juice, and spices.  alright, alright, i know, you just want me to stop talking, and get to the recipe! 

but first, let me say that this recipe is really fun because you get to experiment! try different kinds of apples and see which flavors like best.  toss in an extra orange! or take one out! i'm still perfecting my ideal recipe, but this is the one i like best so far.  

simply perfect apple cider

3 honey crisp apples

3 pink lady apples

3 granny smith apples

2 oranges

3 cinnamon sticks

1 tsp ground nutmeg

1 tsp whole cloves

1. first, put all your spices in the bottom of your dutch oven pot.  this way, when you fill it with water, your spices won't all be floating on the top.  

2. cut your apples and oranges in quarters or eighths (whichever is easiest for you) and throw them in the pot with the spices, and fill with water.

(you can see some floating spices, but some are under the apples, giving a better flavor)

3. turn your burner on high to get the water boiling.  let the water boil for about 10 minutes.  then turn your heat down to medium low.  cover and allow to simmer for about 50 more minutes.  at this point, your apples should be very soft.  take some kitchen tongs and mash your apples so they make what looks like a simmering apple sauce.  it should look like this:

4. cover and allow to simmer for a few more hours. anywhere between 2 and 3 hours will work great. the longer it simmers, the better the flavor. 

5. next get a large bowl and rest a mesh strainer on top.  pour the contents of your pot in the strainer.  you'll have to do this a few times, and use a spatula or a wooden spoon to get all the juicy flavor into the bowl 

(please ignore my phone shadow)

6. after straining all your cider into the bowl, pour the cider back into your pot and bring to a boil.  

7. and finally, grab a scoop of the cider, pour it in your favorite mug, and drink up! 

mmm, just typing about this makes me want to go get a glass! i hope you all enjoy this as much as i do! and don't forget to leave a comment to let me know how you like the recipe!  if you make this (or any of the recipes to come) #naturalieclean so i can see what you made! 

enjoy! 

natalie