Walnut and Date Energy Bars

If you are thinking of a no cook breakfast, consider one of these to munch on as you pack up and hit the road. These are cooked at home and eaten on the trail.

• 1 1/2 cups raw walnuts, chopped

• 1/3 cup whole-grain flour

• 1/8 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/8 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/3 cup light brown sugar

• 1/2 cup dried cranberries

• 1 cup dried dates, quartered

• 1 cup dried apricots, chopped

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Preparation at home:

1. Preheat oven to 325 °F and line an 8-inch by 8-inch baking pan with parchment paper

2. Toast the walnuts at 325 °F for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool..

3. Blend flour, baking soda, baking powder, sugar, cinnamon, salt and half of each dried fruit in the food processor.

4. Put the mixture in a large bowl and mix in the walnuts and the rest of the dried fruit by hand.

5. Whisk the vanilla and egg together and add it to the mixture.

6. Mix well and spread it into the pan, packing it down until it’s compact and even.

7. Bake at 325 °F until golden brown, about 35-40 minutes.

8. Remove from the oven and let it cool.

9. When cooled, use a sharp knife to cut into whatever size pieces you prefer, and place in baggies or cling wrap. . .