Need a late afternoon snack with an energy kick, or want to pack a protein filled delicious, yet healthy snack in your kids' school lunch box?  These protein rich bars will be loved by kids of all ages.

INGREDIENTS

• Coconut oil or cooking spray
• 3 cups whole grain oats
• ¼ cup flax seeds
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon cardamom
• 1 cup canned (or even better, tetra packed) organic pumpkin
• ½ cup dark brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• ½ cup organic unsweetened applesauce
• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (60-70% cocoa)
• 1/3 cup raw pumpkin seeds

PREPARATION

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9x9-in or 9-in round, nonstick baking pan very lightly with coconut oil.
2. Place oats into a blender or food processor, and pulse 7 or 8 times, so that the oats are broken down, but still identifiable.
3. Add flax seeds, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and cardamom; pulse several times to combine.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together pumpkin, brown sugar, vanilla and applesauce until smooth and creamy. 
5. Gradually add the oat mixture and mix until just combined.
6. Fold in most of the chocolate chips and all of the pumpkin seeds. 
7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, and sprinkle reserved chocolate chips on top.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until knife inserted in the middle comes out clean.
9. Cool on wire rack for 10 minutes, then cut in to squares.
10. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week or freeze.