no-bake chocolate peanut butter oatmeal bars

I keep calling these summer months "Arizona Winter." What I mean, is that these are the months we mostly want to stay inside. It's been an adjustment for me, having grown up with 4 distinct seasons, I always looked forward to the warmth of summer. But now the harsh heat and sunny days keep us mostly cooped up inside and we look forward to the relief the winter will bring. To be honest, I still miss the charms of the seasons, but I'm learning to be thankful for these newly defined seasons we're experiencing.

Anyways, being indoors encourages me to fluff my nest and immerse myself in homemaking (is it being indoors, or is it this little one growing inside of me? not sure!). Today I was craving a sweet breakfast treat, but was feeling reluctant to turn on the oven with the rising temps outside. So I decided to try and create a no-bake version of the bar I was imagining. I only had about 30 minutes before I needed to start working for the day, so I quick whipped this together. I had made similar bars in the passed from other recipes, but had to work with the ingredients I had. These little guys are packed with protein and good stuff but get the husband stamp of approval and will even satisfy the sweet tooth of a 24 week pregnant gal ;)

No-bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars

2 C of oatmeal blended to a flour consistency
1/2 C walnuts chopped
1/4 tsp of salt
2 T of cocoa powder
2 T of shredded coconut
1/2 C natural peanut butter
1/4 C honey
1/4 C coconut oil
1 tsp vanilla

First mix all your dry ingredients together in a bowl until well blended. Then add the rest of the ingredients and mix well to create a cookie dough consistency. Line an 8x8 inch pan with parchment or wax paper and press the mixture flat into the pan. Add another square liner on top and press with a spoon or small rolling pin to flatten. Freeze for at least 1-2 hours and keep stored in the freezer until they are gone!