Quinoa Protein Bars

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1/2 cup vanilla whey protein powder
• 1/2 cup almond butter
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, vanilla whey protein powder, almond butter, honey, unsweetened almond milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix everything together until it forms a thick, sticky dough.
3. If desired, stir in the chopped nuts to add some extra texture and crunch.
4. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula or your hands to smooth it out.
5. Bake the protein bars for 20-25 minutes, or until they're golden brown and set.
6. Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes.
7. Once cooled, use a sharp knife to slice the bars into 8 equal pieces.
8. Store the quinoa protein bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

These protein bars are a delicious and innovative way to incorporate quinoa into your diet. They're also packed with protein, healthy fats, and fiber, making them a great snack option when you need a quick energy boost. Enjoy!