Grab-and-go energy bars

By Sari Huhtala

Traveling? On the run? Don’t get caught snackless and starved and have to pull into the nearest donut shop for a quick fix. These fast and fabulous energy bars will satisfy the taste buds and keep hunger pangs at bay.

Energy bars

• 1 cup pitted dates
• 1 tbsp cocoa powder, or carob powder
• 2 tbsp water
• ¼ cup almonds
• 1/8 cup walnuts
• ¼ cup sunflower seeds

Cut dates in half to ensure there are no pits. Process dates, water and cocoa powder in a food processor till smooth. Add nuts and sunflower seeds. Process until nuts form small crumbs and mixture blends together. Spread mixture to form an approximate 5X5-inch square onto parchment paper, to about half to three quarter inch thickness. Cut into bars. Lift bars with parchment paper onto a pan and refrigerate for about an hour, before packaging. To extend shelf life, keep refrigerated, or freeze as a grab-and-go snack.