Spiced Yam Protein Bars

 Spiced Yam Protein Bars
Post by Tisha
(Inspired by Jamie Eason's Pumpkin Protein Bars)

Brief Description:
Having a quick and healthy snack is important, especially when you are on the road or have a busy day ahead.  Making these protein bars yourself will not only allow you to control the quality of the final product, but it will make your house smell like the holidays.  These tasty protein bars can be stored in your fridge for up to a week or can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.  The best way to enjoy them is warmed in the microwave with a hot cup of coffee.

Ingredients: (If possible, have all at room temp, esp eggs and yams)
1 Tbsp Agave Nectar (natural sweetener)
4 oz. of unsweetened applesauce
2 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tsp apple pie spice (see following post)
1/2 tsp ground clove
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp kosher salt
2 tsp vanilla extract
4 large egg whites (or 3 large egg whites and 1 whole egg)
15 oz. of pureed yams (purchase whole yams, bake at 400*F until cooked thoroughly, puree with water until smooth) or 1 can of yams from your local supermarket.
2 cups oat flour (see previous post) or any other flour you have on hand.
4 scoops whey protein powder (e.g. ON Gold Standard Natural 100% Whey Protein Powder - Vanilla)
3/4 cup of unsweetened almond milk (or any milk you have on hand)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350*F
2. Spray a 9X13 pyrex dish with non-stick spray.
3. Combine dry ingredients (spices, baking powder, baking soda, oat flour, whey protein) in medium bowl. Stir well.
4. Combine wet ingredients (agave nectar, applesauce, vanilla, eggs, yams, almond milk) in large bowl.  Stir well.
5. Add dry ingredients into wet ingredients.
6. Add optional walnuts and mix until incorporated.
7. Spread batter into the Pyrex dish and bake for 30 minutes.

Makes 12 squares.  1 serving=1 square.

Per Serving: (w/out walnuts)
Calories- 146
Carbs- 21g
Fat- 2g
Protein- 12g
Sugar- 4g
Sodium- 273mg