Caramel-Walnut Protein Bark

Just a warning, these are dangerously addicting! If you love the combination of caramel, chocolate crunchy nuts you will love this!!! One serving also has more protein than 1 tablespoon of peanut butter and only 2 net carbs!

These do soften quickly so be sure to eat these either frozen or chilled.

I'd like to thank Emily from http://prettypies.com/ for my inspiration for this recipe.

Caramel-Walnut Protein Bark 1-1/2 cups broken walnuts 1/2 cup coconut oil (I use this brand) 1/3 cup almond butter (just almonds) (I use this brand) 1 (30 gm) scoop (stevia sweetened) vanilla grass fed whey protein powder or your favorite vanilla protein powder (I use this brand) 1 tsp. vanilla extract 25 drops caramel stevia drops (vanilla, English toffee or a combination of flavors can be substituted), or to taste* (I use Vitacost brand) Coarse Sea Salt, optional (I use this brand, the plain flaked) 1 oz. Lily's stevia sweetened chocolate or your favorite low carb chocolate, melted 1. In a medium ungreased skillet, toast walnuts over medium heat for 5-9 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and fragrant (watch them so they don't burn!) Set aside to cool. 2. In a medium, microwave safe bowl, melt coconut oil. Stir in almond butter, protein powder, vanilla, stevia and a pinch of salt; mix until smooth. Stir in walnuts. Pour into a wax paper lined 9 x 9-in. pan. Freeze until firm 30 min.

Melt chocolate in same bowl (no need to dirty another bowl) in microwave 1-2 minutes on 50% power or until nearly melted, stir until smooth. Microwave ovens vary in strength. Drizzle over bark. Sprinkle lightly with sea salt, if desired. Chill or freeze until solid, cut or break into 16 pieces or into desired size (nutritional values will change depending on the size piece you break.) Keep frozen or chilled. *Be creative and try a combination of flavors of stevia drops to taste. Servings: 16 Nutrition Facts Serving size: 1/16 of a recipe (0.9 ounces). Optional ingredients are not included in the recipe nutrition data. Amount Per Serving Calories 178.25 Total Fat 17.48g Saturated Fat 7.19g Cholesterol 0.19mg Sodium 15.18mg Potassium 87.68mg Total Carbohydrates 3.72g Fiber 1.52g Sugar 0.67g Protein 4.39g