Blackberry bliss bars!

I've been dying to post this recipe. I've was eating the last leftover bar yesterday and even 2 days later it still sent me spiraling into euphoria! This recipe came about when we got several packages of blackberries last Saturday. After a week of munching on them, and throwing them into smoothies and such we had still only gone through about half a package. Blackberries are such pretty berries, and obviously insanely delicious and nutritious. Blackberries as with any other berry are known for their antioxidants! Anthocyanins are an antioxidant that gives black berries their dark purplish-black color. This powerful antioxidant reduces inflammation as well as destroys free radicals that harm our cells and essentially lead to cancers. High vitamin C along with ellagic acid are also known to be an anti-cancer. The vitamin C, boosts the immune system, maintains healthy skin and eyes, and lowers your risk of heart attack.  They are incredibly rich in fiber as well, which aids in digestion and also helps maintain a healthy heart.  Lastly, the vitamin K found abundantly in black berries supports healthy bones since vitamin K assists in the absorption of Calcium! 

Blackberry Bliss Bars

Ingredients:

2 packages of blackberries

3 tsp cornstarch

1 tbsp stevia

1/2 c coconut oil

1/2 c raw honey or agave

1 tsp vanilla

2 tsp lemon juice

3/4 c whole wheat flour

1 1/2 tsp baking powder 

1 c rolled oats

1/4 c coconut flakes

1/4 chopped almonds (I chopped my own by putting them into a plastic bag and hitting them with a heavy utensil-great way to blow off steam ;))

1 tbsp flax meal (I ground my own flax seeds to make this)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350
Pour blackberries into a bowl and begin to mash with fork, add cornstarch and stevia and mash until juices unleash and there are few chunks of berries remaining. Set aside.

Combine coconut oil, honey or agave, vanilla, lemon juice, and flax meal in small bowl.

Combine flour, baking powder, oats, coconut flakes, and almonds in a separate larger bowl.

Add oil/honey/flax mixture into the flour mixture and stir until evenly combined.

Press mixture into a greased 9x11 baking dish (or a 9x9 square pan would work too), but reserve 1/2 c for topping.

Then evenly pour your blackberry mixture on top. 

Crumble the remaining 1/2 c mixture as evenly as possible on top and attempt to gently press it down as best as you can.

Bake for about 35-40 minutes, until edges are golden brown. 

It should look a little something like this

Let it cool at least 15 minutes before cutting and devouring.

You know that looks good!

Is your mouth watering yet? Why not give them a try? Guilt-free, clean recipe. Give that immune system a boost before the harsh germ-y winter attacks us all!

This weeks produce basket was bomb...stay tuned to find out what I do with all of this amazingness!

I haven't posted any workout routines lately, but I have a couple super fun ones in the works for your guys..so stay tuned and keep on keeping on.

Eat clean, Train mean, Stay lean.

Much peace and love,

Simply-Healthy-Nikki