Thrive Short Order | Paleo Black Forest Breakfast Bars {Gluten-Free, Vegan, No-Bake}

I don't know about you, but I find most mornings in my household to be just short of a circus act. Between caring for a rambunctious three-year-old, working and tending to the nitty- gritty details of the home, sometimes I feel a sense of complete overwhelm - as I am sure many do. Yet, as with most things in life, daily chaos is also fertile ground for inspiration along with one of my all time favorite topics: chocolate.

Recently I was pondering the amazing health benefits of this delicious food and realized it could easily be transformed into a stellar breakfast meal. With a little creativity and plenty of superfood caliper additions, chocolate could be a near perfect beginning to any day for the reasons found here. Hemp seed adds protein, coconut flour a good dose of sugar balancing fiber and cherries are a powerhouse in their own right. The end result also had to be effortless in preparation and something that is grab and go. And since I need all the help I can get with clarity of thought in the morning, the bar absolutely had to support brain function in a serious way. Walnuts fit the bill nicely with an abundant dose of mind boosting omega-3 fats. Drop me a line and let me know if you give these a try.


Paleo Black Forest Breakfast Bars

*As always, for ultimate flavor and nutrition, organic is best.

Yield: 6 bars

Ingredients

3/4 cup chopped dark chocolate {I like Equal Exchange brand. Learn why here}

1/2 cup chopped dried cherries

1/8 cup each finely chopped almonds and walnuts

2 heaping tablespoons hemp seed

2 1/2 teaspoons coconut flour

Unbleached parchment paper

Method

Line a small loaf pan with parchment paper and set aside. Over low heat in a medium saucepan, melt the chocolate. Remove from heat. Next, add remaining ingredients and stir until well combined. The end result will be thick and dough-like in consistency. With damp hands flatten the dough into the prepared pan. Make sure it's smooth without cracks or gaps. With a small knife, slice the dough into short bars. Refrigerate for at least an hour. To store, gently remove each bar and transfer to an airtight container. Keep in a cool place - the refrigerator is best. 

"It has been shown as proof positive that carefully prepared chocolate is as healthful a food as it is pleasant; that it is nourishing and easily digested . . . that is above all helpful to people who must do a great deal of mental work." - Anthelme Brillat-Savarin