Weight Watchers-Friendly Energy Bars Recipe
Ingredients:
- Dried Fruits:
- 100g (3.5 oz) pitted dates
- 70g (2.5 oz) pitted prunes
- 80g (2.8 oz) dried apricots
- 45g (1.6 oz) cranberries
- 50g (1.75 oz) raisins
- Hydration:
- Cold water (for hydrating)
- Nuts and Seeds:
- 50g (1.75 oz) pumpkin seeds
- 70g (2.5 oz) mixed nuts
- 75g (2.6 oz) almonds
- 35g (1.2 oz) sesame seeds (reserve some for later)
- Other Ingredients:
- 20g (~1/4 cup) rolled oats
Directions:
- Hydrate the Dried Fruits:
- Place the pitted dates, pitted prunes, dried apricots, cranberries, and raisins in a bowl.
- Add cold water to the bowl and let them hydrate for 10-15 minutes.
- Prepare the Nuts and Seeds:
- In a frying pan, add the pumpkin seeds, mixed nuts, and almonds.
- Fry for a few minutes over medium heat until they are slightly toasted.
- Chop the toasted nuts and seeds into smaller pieces.
- Add 35g (1.2 oz) of sesame seeds to the mixture, leaving some for later use.
- Prepare the Oats and Apricots:
- Add the rolled oats to the mixture.
- Cut the hydrated dried apricots into small pieces.
- Blend the Dates and Prunes:
- Drain the dates and prunes from the water and place them in a food processor or chopper.
- Blend until they form a smooth paste.
- Combine the Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the date and prune paste with the chopped nuts, seeds, oats, and apricot pieces.
- Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
- Form the Bars:
- Place a sheet of cling film on a flat surface.
- Transfer the mixture onto the cling film and press it down evenly to form a flat, rectangular shape.
- Sprinkle the remaining sesame seeds on top and press them into the mixture.
- Chill the Bars:
- Wrap the mixture tightly with the cling film.
- Place it in the freezer for 2 hours to set.
- Serve:
- Once set, remove from the freezer and cut into bars or squares.
- Enjoy your delicious and healthy energy bars!
Weight Watchers Points:
- Dried Fruits: Dates, prunes, apricots, cranberries, and raisins can be high in sugar. Moderation is key.
- Nuts and Seeds: Opt for unsalted and natural versions to keep points lower.
- Rolled Oats: Typically low in points, but ensure to measure accurately.
Estimated Points (per bar, assuming 12 bars):
- Dried Fruits: Approximately 3-4 points
- Nuts and Seeds: Approximately 2-3 points
- Rolled Oats: 0-1 point
Total Points per Bar: Approximately 5-7 points
Enjoy these energy bars as a nutritious and satisfying snack that fits into your Weight Watchers plan!