Photo by Joseph De Leo; styled by Mariya Yufest

As we near the end of 2012 and look back on all the delicious food we ate and made, one thing stands out: 2012 was the year we fell in love with seeds. From vegan cookies made with hydrated ground flaxseeds as an egg substitute (know as the "flax egg") to tapioca-like chia seed pudding to the discovery that quinoa makes a mighty fine hot breakfast cereal, there's no doubt seeds got their rightful chance in the spotlight this year. So, it's only fitting that we sneak one more seeded recipe in before the new year comes.

These Hempseed Apricot Chews are perfect for this time of year in two major ways: they come together with a quick blitz in the food processor (after which, the spread-out mix chills in a pan in the fridge until bar-cutting time), so you can make a no-cook snack for yourself and the kiddies while you're baking up holiday cookies for gift giving, or even before you leave for work in the morning. Secondly, hempseeds contain all essential amino acids, so that snack is going to not only make you feel good, but keep you full of energy and strength during the holiday season. Chewy, dense, sweet, and packed with fiber and protein, a batch of these gluten- and dairy-free bars lasts in the fridge for two eeks -- exactly long enough to carry you through to the new year. Happy holidays indeed!

Hempseed Apricot Chews

Serves 24

3 cups (about 1 pound) dried apricots, roughly chopped
1 cup chopped pitted dates
1 cup shelled hempseeds
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon gluten-free vanilla extract

See the full recipe at Whole Foods Market.

What are your favorite healthy afternoon snacks to keep your energy levels up during the holidays? Share your tips and ideas in the comments section below. 

Like this post? See the Easy Everyday topic from last week: Spicy Cheddar-Jack Cauliflower Dip.