Grain-Free Protein Bars {with soaked nuts!}

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/2 cup raw honey
• 3 organic or pastured egg whites
• 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons sustainably-sourced gelatin (certified glyphosate-free)
• 3/4 cup pure water
• 3 cups raw almonds (preferably soaked*)
• 2 cups raw cashews (preferably soaked*)
• 1-1/2 cup raw pumpkin seeds (preferably soaked*)
• 1-1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds (preferably soaked*)
• 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from approximately 1 lemon)
• 3/4 cup chocolate chips (or no-sugar, stevia-sweetened chocolate chips**)