Jewell Parker Rhodes: PARADISE ON FIRE Coconut & Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars
For any outdoor adventure, it is essential to pack foods high in protein to stay energized. As Addy and her campmates struggle to survive a terrain of fire and smoke in Paradise on Fire, they rely on coconut granola bars in their backpacks to refuel. Protein bars are easy, delicious, and endlessly customizable. Book club members can try their hand at creating their own custom bars and having a tasting at their meeting.
Or consider taking your book club outside underneath the stars and enjoy making s’mores around a fire. Remember to practice fire safety, of course!
-Jewell Parker Rhodes
Jewell Parker Rhodes: PARADISE ON FIRE Coconut & Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars
Recipes adapted from AmbitiousKitchen.com.
PARADISE ON FIRE Coconut & Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon coconut oil, divided
- 3 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1/3 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/3 cup dried tart cherries (or dried fruit of choice), optional
- 2 tablespoons chocolate chips
- Sea salt, for sprinkling
- Heat peanut butter, 2 tablespoons of coconut oil, honey and vanilla in a saucepan over low heat. Mix together until well combined and smooth. Remove from heat and transfer to a large bowl.
- Stir in protein powder until smooth, then fold in oats, chia seeds, coconut, and dried fruit if using. Place in a 8x4 inch loaf pan lined with parchment paper.
- Place chocolate chips and coconut oil in a small saucepan and stir over low heat until melted. Drizzle over the tops of the bars. Sprinkle with sea salt.
- Refrigerate for 1 hour. Remove from pan and cut into 10 bars or squares. Store bars in fridge tightly wrapped or in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.