As a mum, I sure know how much sugar is in muesli bars. My best option is to make my own.
These can be made into bars or balls. They need to be kept in the fridge or freezer.
This is a raw recipe. So read up on my page on ''soaking and dehydrating'' seeds and nuts.
Soaking and Dehydrating - If you want to get the full nutrient out of your food, you need to be organised. When I come home from my food shop, I take out all the nuts and seeds, and then in two separate bowls, I soak the seeds in one and the nuts in the other. Cover them with water and soak overnight. The next day, strain off the water and lay them on a piece of greaseproof paper and place them in the oven, on the lowest setting, mine is 50c. Leave them until they are really dry. Taste them. The seeds will be dried first. Now store them in a jar ready to be used.
Blenders and Food processor - Most of us have all sorts of gadgets in our kitchen. But one of the most important ones for me is a powerful blender and a powerful food processor. They are both used for different purposes. The blender is used for many things - smoothies, anything liquid like soups, and also pesto. The food processor is used for bulk foods, like doughs, date puree and lots more. It has a large base so food does not get clogged up in the base.
Both of these products come in such a different price range.The higher the wattage the better the finished product.
Peanut butter - I buy organic peanut butter that has no added salt, sugar or oil. You can make your own.But then you need a powerful blender for that. First roast your peanuts (no skin on them is best) in the oven, place on a tray, in the oven at 200 c and keep an eye on them, moving them around every minute. The are ready when they are lightly golden and your kitchen has a delicious roasted smell. Cool them slightly. Now place them in your food processor to break down, now add to your blender, blend, the natural oils will slowly be released and eventually they will turn into peanut butter. Scrape down every now and then so it is blended evenly.
Dried apple and apricots - Slice apples thinly or half apricots and place on a tray and into a very low setting oven. Leave until dry but not crispy.
Raw Muesli Balls Recipe
makes about 35 balls - depending on the size
2 cups organic Rolled oats - you can buy gluten free rolled oats, this means the rolled oats are cut and bagged in a gluten free environment.
1/3 cup ground linseed
1 cup dried coconut
1 1/2 cups of mixed chopped nuts, seeds and dried fruit (apricots, currants, cranberries, dates)
1/3 cup honey - melt for runny honey
1/4 cup apple puree - this keeps these balls moist, cut up an apple and simmer in a pot with a small amount of water with the lid on until soft. Mash or blend the apple until smooth.
1 cup nut butter - peanut butter or almond butter
Method
1 - Mix the dry ingredients in a medium size bowl and the wet ingredients in a small bowl.
2 - Mix all together. This mixture needs to be slightly sticky, add more nut butter for binding if it needs it.
3 - Roll into balls or place in a greaseproof lined tin.
Store in the fridge or freezer.
