Raw granola bar

Have you ever been somewhere and felt completely captivated, inspired, motivated? In complete awe of your surroundings, atmosphere, culture? My moment of awe comes when I'm taking marinated vegetables off the grill, checking on my lemon parsley salmon in the oven, putting the last touch on my farmers market salad, taking my oatmeal walnut quinoa cookies out of the oven, and when I'm walking through a fresh local farmers market. These are the times in my life which bring me joy, serenity, inspiration, drive, and last but not least nourishment. I love the feeling of taking raw, simple, whole, nutritious ingredients and creating something new. That something has the potential to bring people together, spark a conversation, ignite a passion, rekindle a relationship, or bring simple pleasure to its creator. Food is an art in so many ways, and each to their own. My purpose in life is in God's hands, and for now one thing he has made clear to me is to keep cooking, baking, preparing and serving. I love what I do.

This blog is devoted to food and everything that follows. I hope I can inspire, create, and serve others through my posts.

Ok, so for my first recipe I will start off with an easy favorite. This raw granola bar has been such a great success for traveling and just snacking. It takes no time at all and tastes like a million bucks.

• First start with the 'dough" which is made with blending these ingredients in your food processor: 10-12 medjool dates, 5-7 dried figs, 2 tablespoons chia seeds, 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• Then move the dough to a large mixing bowl and simply mix in your favorite raw nuts and seeds! I put: flax seeds, sesame seeds, almonds, cashews, pecans, walnuts
•  Add just enough nuts and seeds to create a thick paste-like dough. Put waxed paper on your counter top then roll the dough out onto it. Add another piece of wax paper on top of the dough, smooth and press the dough down between the two pieces of wax paper. Peel the top piece of paper back and cut into squares or rectangles. 
• dehydrate on 105 overnight, keep refrigerated, and enjoy!

These granola bars are loaded with protein, omega 3 fatty acids(walnuts), vitamin E(almonds),and fiber(figs and dates)