Chocolatey Sweet and Salty Energy Bar

It's no secret that I've been trying to lose weight lately (4 weeks, 9lbs down, 5lbs to go). In order to do so, I had to make a few changes to my current lifestyle. I ramped back up my exercise regime from 3 days a week to 5-6 days a week, started making better food choices, and have been far more careful about portion size.  The way I keep track of it all?  MyFitnessPal.com  (super quick MFP plug--It's free, easy, and a fantastic resource to help you set goals, keep track of food and exercise, and encourage friends and family who are on the same journey.)  It seriously rocks the house. Go check it out.  :) 

But for me it's not just about losing weight, it's about becoming healthier, for both me and for household of boys/men.  Believe me...I didn't put on the extra weight by eating what was good for me (unless you count candy and ice cream in large quantities every day good for me....he he he).

To describe how drastically things have changed in the last 5 weeks, I give you a direct quote from Roberto last night, "Mel, I don't remember the last time we went so long without candy in the house (minus the week of Halloween, or course).  Sometimes I hate it, but most of the time I don't even think about it."  Ha ha ha....makes me laugh.

Anyhow.....

It was while I was browsing the recipe forum on myfitnesspal.com today that I came across a recipe, well, not even a recipe, they call it a FORMULA, for The Ultimate Energy Bar.  The idea behind this "formula" is that you are given the basic components and their measurements.  Next you are given a list of recommended options for each component.  It's amazing.  The possibilities are endless....I mean ENDLESS.  The woman who made the formula even gives 3 "recipes" built from the formula to give you a jumping off point. 

I just about died, or cried, or shouted for joy.  It doesn't matter.  I was THAT excited.

I put my kiddos down for naps and went to work.

I was in the mood for chocolate so I took the formula and let my thoughts roll in that direction.  Here's what I came up with: 

But first, my recipe posting disclaimer:  I do not pretend to take fantastic pictures.  Please do not be turned off of the recipe because of my lack of photographic abilities.  I do, however, possess excellent taste testing skills and only post things I deem worthy of my taste buds.

 Chocolatey Sweet and Salty Energy Bar

1 can black beans, drained and rinsed (or 1.5 cups cooked beans)
1/2 cup natural peanut butter (they sell this GV brand at Walmart now)
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp sea salt
1-1/2 cups oats
1/4 cup cocoa
1/4 cup brown rice flour (see pics below)
1/2 cup whole-wheat flour
1/2 cup crushed pretzels

1/2 cup chocolate chips

First things first:  I chose to use brown rice flour.  Since I didn't have any on hand, and have actually never bought it from the store, I had to make my own.  Really simple.

Place 1-2 cups of brown rice in a blender.

Pulse or blend until you reached the consistency your are looking for.  I was going for fine.

That's it.  Now you have extra for next time too.

In a food processor, combine beans, peanut butter, honey, applesauce, vanilla and salt until smooth. 

for an even smoother texture smash or blend beans beforehand

Add oats, cocoa, rice flour, and whole-wheat flour and pulse just to combine.  Add crushed pretzels and chocolate chips and pulse, again, just to combine.  If consistency seems to be spreadable, you are done.  If it seems to dry, add 1/4 cup water, if it's too runny, add an additional 1/4 cup wheat or rice flour.

Grease 9 x 13 pan with baking spray or rub pan with 1 TBSP oil, then spread in mixture.

Bake at 350 degrees for 15-18 minutes.

Makes 12 servings

They turned out pretty darn tasty and most of my boys ate and liked them (success).  My super picky (unless it is covered in Ketchup) one saw a whole-ish bean and asked "What is this, mom?"  When I chose not to answer him, he chose not to finish it.  (ha ha ha!)  He ain't no dummy.

Next time I'll blend the beans until they are unrecognizable.  Muahahahaha!   

I think I will try pumpkin something or other next.


Nutrition Information (provided by myfitnesspal.com) 1 serving:  

Calories 243, Carbohydrates 37g, Fat 9g, Protein 8g, Cholesterol 0mg, Sodium 159mg, Sugars 12g, Fiber 6g