I was given a sample of Manitoba Hemp Hearts to review thanks to my Ambassadorship with Sweat Pink. I was not compensated for this review. All opinions are my own.

Today, I’ve got a treat for you. A hemp + pumpkin protein bar to be exact. Plus, a little review.

First question: HAVE YOU EVER TRIED HEMP HEARTS?

Hopefully the answer is yes and you are more than impressed with how awesome they are. If not, let me tell you a few reasons why I love hemp hearts.

• Hemp Hearts are a stellar source of a complete vegetarian protein, containing 10g of protein per 30g serving.
• Hemp Hearts are an excellent source of healthy omega fats, containing 10g of protein per 30g serving.
• Hemp Hearts are easy to use, in a variety of ways and the best part is, they taste great. Slightly nutty.

My absolute favorite way to use hemp hearts is in a smoothie. I’ve mentioned before that I like a smoothie with a good serving protein and fat, so hemp hearts are a natural choice (hehe, catch the pun). But since, I’ve already shared quite a few smoothie recipes, I decided on a fall themed protein treat.

HEMP + PUMPKIN PROTEIN BARS

Now, let me just tell you, these bars were not easy to make. I reviewed a few different protein bar recipes to try and get an idea of how much of what ingredients to add. However, I had to tweak my measurements after each new ingredient addition or whizz in the food processor.

I am not a baker – unless I am following someone else’s recipe. I do not do well with measuring things. I like to dump ingredients in until it everything tastes good. For instance, I made two different types of protein balls a few weeks ago – one with protein powder and one with chia and hemp seeds. They both came out so tasty, but do I remember how I made them? Not so much.

But, in efforts to be a better blogger and be able to share a recipe without the measurements reading: add 10 sprinkles of this, what looks to be 1/4 cup of that…I took extra time to measure the ingredients for these protein bars. Because I love you.

You’re welcome.
…

HEMP + PUMPKIN PROTEIN BARS

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup dates
• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin (I like Trader Joe’s)
• 1/2 really ripe banana
• 1/4 cup Manitoba Hemp Hearts
• 1 1/2 cup rolled oats (GF)
• 1/2 cup walnuts*
• 1/2 cup raw pumpkin seeds
• 1 1/2 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1 Tablespoon Great Lakes Gelatin (could sub protein powder)
• 1 heaping Tablespoon pumpkin pie spie (I like Trader Joe’s Brand)

* use almonds if allergic to walnuts or sunflower seeds for a nut free option)

DIRECTIONS

1. Soak dates for up to 20 minutes. Now, my dates were not soaked, but were soft. I have a feeling the dates would pureed alot easier, if they were. So, I’ll let you decide how you want to start out.
2. Combine dates, banana, and pumpkin in the food processor until smooth.
3. Add gelatin, chia seeds, hemp hearts, and pumpkin spice. Process again.
4. Next, add walnuts* (almonds or sunflower seeds) and pumpkin seeds. You know the drill.
5. Finally, add the rolled oats and process until the mixture comes together.
6. Press mixture into a glass pan or tupperware and refrigerate for a few hours. Then cut into bars. The bars will still be a bit sticky, however, if you freeze them they will firm up.
7. Store in airtight tupperware or pyrex container for up to a week or in the freezer for…a while.

What’s better than a delicious recipe featuring the always delicious hemp hearts?

A 5LB BAG OF HEMP HEARTS FOR 1 LUCKY WINNER!

Gotta love a good giveaway. Here are the dets:

• To enter: Get creative in the kitchen, tag @manitobaharvest, #hemphearts, and #sweatpink in your Instagram and/or Twitter post and you’ll be automatically entered. And maybe sure to tag me so I can see your creations (@burpeesforbreakfast <– INSTAG or TWITTER –>@burpees4bfast)

Make sure to enter. You have until November 30th. AND try the protein bars. You’ll love them!

Have you tried HEMP HEARTS? What is your favorite way to enjoy them?!

– Jen.

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