Energy Bars and Cocoa Muffins

I spent my snow day doing some experimental baking.  I tried to recipes from Clean Eating Quick Easy Meals and had to some improvising due to the ingredients that I had on hand.  The energy bars were REALLY good!  The cocoa muffins were okay....they aren't sweet, which I like, but they taste a little too healthy for most people.

Cocoa Muffins

Energy Bars

Cocoa Muffins (makes 40 mini muffins or 12 regular muffins)
Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups oats
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tbsp vanilla protein powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 egg
• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup buttermilk (i used almond milk)
• 3 tbsp agave syrup
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup raisins (i used golden)
• I also added 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line muffin tin with paper cups
• In large bowl, combine oats and next five ingredients.
• In another mixing bowl, whisk together egg, applesauce, almond milk, agave, and oil. 
• Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in egg mixture.  Stir just until all dry ingredients are moistened. Stir in raisins and chocolate chips.
• Pour batter into muffin cups and bake for 20 minutes or until tops spring back when touched lightly.  

Energy Bars (makes 16 bars)
Ingredients:

• 1 cup natural peanut butter
• 1 cup honey
• 1 cup old fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup chopped dates
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/2 cup almonds
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Directions:

• Combine peanut butter and honey in large nonstick pot and heat on low until runny.  
• Mix in the oatmeal, dates, and nuts.  Stir until all ingredients are well covered.
• Line a 9x9 inch pan with waxed paper.  Press the mixture into the pan.  Let cool, and then cut into 16 bars.