Kristin's No Bake, High-Fiber, High-Protein Bars

These no bake, high-fiber, high-protein bars are a delicious snack and a snap to make! They are rich, so a little piece goes a long way. Use your imagination- the combinations are endless!  

2 cups raw almonds  
1 cup of cashews                                                                                                                         
1⁄2 cup ground chia or flax seeds (1⁄4 cup whole seed chia or flax equals 1⁄2 cup ground)
1⁄2 cup shredded unsweetened, unsulfured coconut and extra to press on top
1⁄2 cup unsalted almond butter
1⁄4 cup quinoa flakes, optional
1⁄2 teaspoon sea salt
1⁄4 teaspoon cinnamon
1⁄2 cup virgin coconut oil
1 tablespoon organic vanilla flavor or vanilla extract
25 drops liquid stevia or powdered stevia to taste or
1/8 cup xylitol or more to taste
• Place almonds, chia or flax, shredded coconut, almond butter, quinoa flakes, salt and cinnamon in a food processor
• Pulse briefly, about 7 seconds, you want to keep it chunky
• In a small sauce pan, melt coconut oil over very low heat, if it needs to be melted
• Remove coconut oil from stove and add vanilla and stevia &/or xylitol into oil and stir well until dissolved and well combined.
• Add coconut oil mixture to food processor and pulse until ingredients form a coarse paste
• Use 2 pieces of parchment paper to crisscross the bottom of an 8 x 8 glass-baking dish.
• Press nut mixture evenly into dish • Press extra shredded coconut onto the top of the bars if desired, optional
• Or on the stovetop in a small saucepan melt an unsweetened chocolate bar and sweeten with stevia and vanilla to taste for a Phase 2 option