And so, here is our first make post after our hiatus! I warmly introduce you to my friend, maca.
What is maca?
Maca is a plant grown in South America. It looks a bit like a turnip (it's related to turnips and radishes), and in South American countries it has been eaten as a vegetable for years. In fact, it was eaten by the Incas before they went into battle to give them strength and endurance. That's why these bars are 'zippy' - they'll give you lots of energy!
Is maca good for me?
Maca's nutritional value is super high. It's got a great mix of carbohydrates and protein which are responsible for that go-getting energy! It's super rich in calcium (for your bones) & potassium (to break down and use your carbohydrates and make muscle). It's got good levels of iron (for your blood), zinc (great for anyone young who's growing, for fertility and for the immune system) & manganese (to break down and use your fats and carbohydrates & to help the body make hormones).
Even more than this, maca has loads of different amino acids (proteins) which contribute to it's biggest and most widely known health benefit - it's fantastic for balancing your hormones. If you suffer from PMS or zits then try introducing a little maca into your diet. It's important to go slow at first, if you suddenly add tablespoons of maca into your diet your hormones won't know what's hit them! But if you add a teaspoon into your porridge, or use it to make these bars you'll have loads of energy and feel really balanced.
But what does it taste like?
I personally love the taste of maca, so I guess I am biased. It took Mum and Sarah a little more getting used to, but everyone agrees that it's got a kind of burnt-caramel-like taste. It's definitely sweet - you wouldn't want to put it in anything savoury. But there's also a slightly acidic twang to it too. Almost gingery?
In these bars, the maca just enhances the gorgeous caramel flavour of the dates and adds a little spiciness. Honestly delicious :)
How much does it cost?
Maca isn't really cheap - I won't lie. But I think in light of all that's happened, my outlook is now to save money on things that don't matter so much. Food matters. What you eat is going directly into your body - why skimp on that?
Maca can be bought in good health food shops, or you can get it on the internet for around £10, but you can scout around for the best deal!
So what about these bars, then?
Yes, on to the recipe!
These bars are fudgy, caramelly, nutty, and satisfying (yet moreish!)
What's more they are SO easy to make. They only have 4 ingredients (or 3 if you don't use maca)! There's no excuse not to try them - right?
You'll know with every bite your getting lots of long lasting energy, fibre and lots of nutrients. Happy faces all round.
Even if you don't want to buy maca, please do try these bars without it - they still taste good! Maybe add a little cinnamon?
Enjoy today!
- rosinaviolets x
Zippy Maca Bars
Makes about 16 bars
- 2 cups oats
- 2 cups dates (use either medjool dates, or soak normal pitted dates in some boiling water for 20 minutes before you use them)
- 1 cup walnuts
- 2 dessert spoons maca powder
- enough water to bind it all together
This recipe is seriously so easy... all you have to do is:
- Preheat your oven to 180C
- Get a food processor out and whizz the walnuts until they're finely broken up.
- Get out your blender and whizz the dates to make a smooth paste.
- Put the dates and the walnuts into a bowl. Add the oats.
- Add the two spoons of maca powder.
- Mix it up! Add enough water to make it all stick together nicely.
- Line a square brownie pan with baking paper. (We use one that's about 8in x 8in). Squash the mixture into the tin and pack it down. I used a fork (that's why you can see the striations on my bars!) Put the whole lot into the oven for about 25 minutes - but watch it so it doesn't burn.
- When it's done, leave it to cool for a bit in the tin, then turn it out onto a rack to cool completely before cutting into bars - have them whatever size takes your fancy! We went for 16.
- Enjoy that zippy energy!!
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