✓ Ingredients:
– 1 cup almonds
– 1 cup pumpkin seeds
– 1 cup sunflower seeds
– 1/2 cup sesame seeds
– 1/2 cup flaxseeds
– 1/2 cup chopped dried fruits (optional)
– 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
– 2 tbsp coconut oil
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– A pinch of salt
✓ Instructions:
1. **Preheat the Oven**:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. **Mix the Nuts and Seeds**:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the almonds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, and flaxseeds. If using dried fruits, add them now as well.
3. **Prepare the Binding Mixture**:
In a small saucepan, combine the honey (or maple syrup), coconut oil, vanilla extract, and salt. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the coconut oil has melted and the mixture is well combined.
4. **Combine and Mix**:
Pour the heated mixture over the nuts and seeds. Mix well until all the dry ingredients are thoroughly coated.
5. **Shape the Bars**:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop the mixture onto the baking sheet and press it into a compact, even layer. Alternatively, you can use round cookie cutters or molds to shape the bars individually, as shown in your image.
6. **Bake**:
Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
7. **Cool and Set**:
Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, they will harden.
8. **Cut and Store**:
If you made a single large sheet, cut into individual bars. Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Enjoy your homemade seed and nut bars!