VANILLA CHIP BUCKWHEAT BARS

2    cups (475 ml) water

2 cups (230 g) gluten-free rolled oats

1 cup (130 g) pitted dates

1/4 cup (60 ml) agave

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup (160 g) vegan chocolate chip

s 1/2 cup (40 g) unsweetened shredded coconut

In a small pot, bring the buckwheat groats and water to a simmer over medium- low heat. Cook the grains for 5 to 7 minutes, uncovered, until tender. Strain off any excess liquid, allow it to cool for 10 minutes, then place the buckwheat in a food processor with the oats, dates, agave nectar, vanilla, and salt. Pulse until the mixture is combined, and the oats and dates are slightly broken down.

Fold the chocolate chips and coconut into the bar mixture until evenly mixed, then spread the mixture out into a 9 x 12-inch (23 x 30 cm) rectangle, 1/2-inch (1.25 cm) high. Using a pizza cutter or knife, cut twelve 2.5 x 4-inch (6.25 x 10 cm) bars out of the rectangle without separating them.

Bake the bars for 30 minutes, then flip them, separating the bars at their perforations. Bake for 15 minutes until they begin to brown around the edges. Cool on a rack for 15 minutes for serving, or for 45 minutes before putting them into a container with a moisture-absorbing packet.

Recipe Notes

Try adding a scoop of your favorite vegan protein powder to this recipe to bump up the protein content!