As soon as it was released, I could not wait to get my hands on a copy. I read recipe books like many people read fiction books. There is something therapeutic about them...probably because I know that my cooking pretty much sucks unless I follow a recipe. I picked up my copy of "Wholesome" from my local Exclusive Books for R287, but I know there is also a launch special on it if you order through Takealot or Loot. But I just could not wait the couple of days that it would take to arrive.
Wholesome is packed full of goodness from healthy breakfasts to hearty bounty bowls, fermenting and tea time treats. One of the big draw cards for me is that all the recipes are carb and sugar-conscious. An added bonus is that it also includes a Kid-friendly guide, where Sarah's two little girls have given their mom's recipes their stamp of approval.
One of these recipes is her Power Bars. Sarah describes these as being packed full of all kinds of natural, nutritious, healthy, delicious amazingness and that they are a perfect afternoon pick-me-up snack. So I decided to give this recipe a try one evening this past week. The recipe took about 10 minutes to make plus another hour in the freezer to set and makes 20 squares and delivered exactly what Sarah promised - delicious amazingness.
The recipe includes some ingredients with which I am unfamiliar, so it did take a special trip to the health store but after doing some research, the health benefits derived from these ingredients seem to be worth the effort.
These Power bars include two new ingredients, namely Baobab powder and hemp seed powder.
I have discovered that Baobab fruit is considered a super fruit. Baobab powder is high in vitamin C, a natural source of calcium, contains magnesium, potassium and B-complex vitamins, dietary fibre, has pre-biotic properties (ideal for gut health) and is a natural antioxidant.
Hemp seed powder is rich in Omega 3, which promotes a healthy cardiovascular system. It is considered a "perfect protein" because it contains all 20 amino acids but also the 9 essential amino acids that our bodies cannot produce. It is also rich in soluble and insoluble dietary fibre which naturally cleanses the colon and helps to reduce sugar cravings.
Sarah's Power bars are jam-packed full of goodness and even got my little picky eater's stamp of approval. They have a fudgy consistency (although next time I will add a little less liquid) and a delicious nutty flavour. These bars have definitely secured a permanent spot in my fridge and the kids' lunchboxes.
Until next time,
XX-L
