Oatmeal Raisin Breakfast Blondies

Have you ever had one of those days (or weeks), where your energy level has flat-lined and staying in bed seems like the best remedy? Where your body, or more likely your mind, just wants quick easy food- food that probably isn't good for you. Okay, yes- I know better than this and yes, I'm the sister who knows all about food: food as medicine and food for healing.

But I'm admitting, I've had.that.week.

Thankfully, I happen to be a bit of a planner (maybe an over planner?).

While we certainly can't plan everything, I'm a firm believer in having a plan to fuel our bodies. Quick, easy, "instant" gratification foods are everywhere, and come in every shape and package.

Manufacturers are even good at trying to trick us- food is labeled with catch phrases such as "natural", "all-natural", "whole grain", "gluten free", "organic", and on and on.

I'm not going to climb on a health food soap box (at least not today) but we all know that when stress, pressure, and exhaustion hits it's critical to make sure we've got truly good-for-us food within arm's reach.

Enter these blondies.

They're a touch sweet, full of gut friendly fiber, and satiating protein and fats. They even have Omega-3's (thank you flax!), and pack good taste and great nutrition into one amazing bar.

So, pick a day when you have a little bit of energy and a little free time (they don't take long), pull out the mixing bowl and measuring cups and bake up a batch or two of these Breakfast Blondies.

It would be a good idea to stash some away in the fridge and more in the freezer.

Next time flat-lined energy rolls around the corner, you're set!

---

Oatmeal Raisin Breakfast Blondies - makes 12 bars

Ingredients:

• 1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained

• 1/2 cup peanut or almond butter

• 1/4 cup ground flax

• 2 bananas

• 4 dates

• 3 tablespoons non-dairy milk

• 2 tablespoons honey (applesauce or maple syrup)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon ginger

• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

• 1 1/2 cups oats

• 1/3 cup raisins

Instructions:

1. Combine chickpeas through nutmeg in a food processor fitted with an S blade. Process until smooth and creamy.

2. Add oats and pulse to combine. Stir in raisins.

3. Place mixture into an 8x8 pan lined with parchment paper.

4. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 25-30 minutes. It's okay if the center is a bit soft, it'll firm up as it cools.

---

#breakfast #snack #bar #brownie #oatmealraisin #chickpea #garbanzobean #peanutbutter #almondbutter #nosugar #highfiber #omega3 #quick #easy