Homemade Energy Bars

By Wendy Gordon

Making your own energy bars ensures they are chock full of whole, unprocessed foods and free of refined additives.

Apricot Bars

Apricots are commonly eaten by Himalayan Sherpas. They are an excellent source of vitamin A, antioxidants, and fiber.

• 1 cup dried apricots
• 3/4 cup almonds
• 3/4 cup walnuts
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup wheat germ
• 2/3 cup whole wheat flour
• 2 T canola oil
• 2-4 T apricot nectar

1. Chop apricots and nuts in food processor.
2. Mix in honey, wheat germ, flour and oil.
3. Add enough apricot nectar to make a thick batter.
4. Press into an 8" x 8" square greased pan. Bake at 350° F for 30 min or until firm. Cut into 12 bars but leave in pan to cool. When cooled, package individually. Store in refrigerator or freezer.

No-Bake Power Bites

These contain lots of protein and fiber. Be aware that they can stimulate the GI tract!

• 1/2 cup dates
• 1/2 cup stemmed figs
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup wheat germ
• 5 T nonfat dry milk powder
• 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 2 tsp fresh lemon juice

1. Combine first five ingredients and chop in the food processor until the mixture forms a ball.
2. Place in a small bowl. Add lemon juice and mix well.
3. In a small bowl, roll into one-inch balls and coat with graham cracker crumbs.
4. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Honey Trail Mix Bars

These are essentially fortified cookies, but they make a satisfying treat for long hikes or bike rides.

• 4-1/2 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup wholewheat flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 2/3 cup butter
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds

1. Preheat oven to 325. Lightly grease a 9x15 pan.
2. Combine the first four ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Add vanilla, honey, and brown sugar. Beat with an electric mixer. (Batter will be very heavy.)
3. Add chips, raisins, cranberries, and almonds. Stir by hand as it will be difficult to manipulate with the mixer.
4. Press dough into prepared pan. Bake 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool in pan 10 minutes. Cut into bars and cool completely, before removing from pan.