As promised... here is your cricket bar recipe! And yes, we're talking about little tiny, chirping insects! So, why crickets? Crickets are actually a really good source of (complete) protein, with all the essential amino acids. Crickets have more than twice as much iron as spinach and they are much better for the planet than say, raising cows. It's a pretty sustainable source of protein too.Anyway... once you get your brain past the "weirdness" of eating insects, they're actually really tasty. The brands I've tried are Chapul and Exo brands but even with the lower prices on Thrive, they still cost over $2 a bar, so I figured I'd just make my own. They aren't beautiful, but they are pretty awesome tasting! There aren't many cricket bar recipes out there at this point, so this is what I came up with. Hope you enjoy!
Choco-nut Cricket Bar
Ingredients
1 cup nuts (I used cashews, could also use seeds)
1/2 cup dates
1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
1/3 cup cacao powder
1/4 cup cricket powder
1 tablespoon honey (optional)
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon salt
Directions
1. Pulse nuts & coconut in the food processor or blender until it becomes a nice powder.
2. Add all other ingredients except for the dates and pulse a few more times.
3. Add the dates, letting it blend until the mixture forms a soft ball. If too dry, add 1 date at a time until the mixture becomes soft enough. I've also added just a couple of drops of water (don't over-do it) before when I didn't have really nice, soft dates to use.
4. Press the mixture into an 8x8 pan, then cut into bars. Or just put a couple of scoops in a ziploc bag and form it into a bar, ball, star... or whatever there. Store in the fridge or freezer to be eaten at your leisure and when you need some awesome protein!
Makes about 8 bars.
