Raw Chocolate Peppermint Prune Protein Bars...

I made these delicious truffle like bars the week before M. and I went away for a week long road trip holiday with my Mum to visit numerous family members and friends.
It was lovely to catch up with everyone and to spend lots of time with my nieces and nephews.
We attended the dawn service at Enoggera Army Barracks and saw my younger brother march in the ANZAC Parade in Brisbane with his medals- he cracked the biggest grin when he heard us spot him!!

My younger brother with his missus,
and their gorgeous little
giggle pot!!

M. at the Macadamia Castle,
birthed by a knight fully
clothed and hairy!!

Dawn Service with the 6RAR

These protein bars were designed to help keep me regular while on the road and due to the increase in my pain meds- which have the unpleasant effects of binding me up.
They are high in soluble fiber, so watch out if you eat too many they may have you running to the loo! hehe

Because they are high in soluble fibre they have the added benefit of lowering cholesterol. How does this happen I hear you wondering???
The only way you can lower cholesterol forcibly is via excretion, and the only way that this can occur is by adding soluble fibre- the cholesterol gets attached and is then excreted- it doesn't sound all that pleasant to talk about but it is simple and very effective!!

If you are not fussed on prunes, or would like to keep them just as a high protein bar (less effective on your guts) you could use medjool dates...but they would end up with a higher GI rating.
They taste the same and are a great snack for after the gym, or when your feeling a little low on energy through the day- without reaching for any sugar products!!

Ingredients:

   3/4 cup almond meal
   1 cup raw cacao powder
   2-3 tbsp honey/ agave syrup
   2 tbsp peanut butter
   1cup prunes
   1/3 cup coconut, shredded

   1 tsp dried peppermint

   Pinch salt

   1/3 cup raw cacao powder for dusting.

Method:

1. In a food processor, with the metal blade, add prunes, honey/ agave, peanut butter and cacoa powder into the food processor and pulse until mixture is finely chopped and it comes together nicely. 
2. Add almond meal into the food processor and pulse for a few seconds until everything come together- it should roll up into a ball.
3. Press into a small slice tin or simply onto a sheet of non-stick paper and press into a square shape, folding over the paper to cover and help shape. 
4. Refrigerate for 2 hours until firm then slice as desired. Pour the second portion of the cacao powder onto a plate or in a container, lightly press each side of the individual slices into the cacao powder, shaking off any excess. 

I keep my bars wrapped in non-stick paper in the fridge.
Unrefrigerated bars are good for about a day or two and they keep in the fridge for up to a week – if it lasts that long!

Enjoy.