Here’s another Thrive Diet recipe. We just finished making these along with a new batch of apple sauce in the Vitamix.

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Chocolate Blueberry Energy Bars
from Brendan Brazier‘s Thrive Diet

“High in antioxidants and flavonoids, these bars help reduce free radical damage in the body and improve cellular recovery.”

1 cup fresh or soaked dates
1/4 cup almonds
1/4 cup blueberries
1/4 cup roasted carob powder (or cacao to make it 100% raw) – we used 1/4 cup cacao nibs
1/4 cup ground flaxseed
1/4 cup hemp protein
1/4 cup unhulled sesame seeds
1 tsp fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp lemon zest
Sea salt to taste
1/2 cup sprouted or cooked buckwheat (optional) – we used cooked
1/2 cup frozen blueberries

In a food processor, process all ingredients except buckwheat and blueberries. If you prefer a uniformly smooth bar, process longer. If you would rather a bar with more crunch, blend for less time.

Remove mixture from processor and put on a clean surface. There are two ways to shape the bars: You could roll the mixture into several balls, or shape it into bars. To shape into balls, use a tablespoon or your hands to scoop the mixture (however much you like to make one ball); roll between the palms of your hands. To shape as bars, flatten the mixture on the clean surface with your hands. Place plastic wrap over top; with a rolling pin, roll mixture to desired bar thickness. Cut mixture into bars. Alternatively, form mixture into a brick; cut as though slicing bread.

As the bars dry, they become easier to handle.

Makes approximately 12 1-3/4 ounce bars.

You can individually wrap and store in freezer. These bars do not freeze solid so you can grab from the freezer and eat right away.

Knead buckwheat and berries into mixture by hand.