Nut Bars
Ingredients
The Nut Mix
1 heaping cup walnuts
1 heaping cup almonds
1 heaping cup cashews
1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
1/2 cup oats
1/4 cup chai seeds
1/4 teaspoon sea salt (1 tsp for unsalted nuts)
The Syrup
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup maple syrup
3 tablespoons coconut oil
Half lemon
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
(Alternative, Light Syrup - UNTESTED)
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
1/4 cup coconut oil
Half lemon
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cardamom
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Directions
Preheat oven to 285°F and line a 9×13 baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of an overhang on both the long sides.
Lightly chop nuts + pumpkin seeds, stir all of the nut mix ingredients together and set aside.
In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, combine the honey, maple syrup and coconut oil and bring to a boil. Let boil for 3-5 minutes, then stir in vanilla extract and half squeezed lemon juice. Reduce heat to simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
Pour simmering syrup into mixed nuts and promptly stir until well distributed and coated.
Quickly transfer the sticky mixture to the prepared pan and spread evenly throughout the pan with a rubber spatula. Use a second piece of parchment paper to press firmly down and compact nuts.
Bake nut bars for 30 minutes at 285°F. Let cool, then place in fridge for 2+ hours. Cut and eat!