Every time i do something outdoors, I have a hard time deciding what food to bring. While i usually prefer some sort of trail mix, it can be hard to contain, keep track of, and eat while hiking. Prepackaged energy bars are so convenient, but they're always overpriced, individually packaged, and usually have some unnecessary and even unhealthy ingredients.

I decided to come up with my own recipe for energy bars. They're pretty similar to Clif Nectar bars, but they're cheaper and taste better.

Ingredients

• 1C Dried Cherries
• 1C Dried Cranberries
• 1T Lemon Juice
• 1T Vanilla
• 3/4C Cashews

Directions

1. Chop cashews in food processor. Set aside
2. Puree berries in food processor
3. When berries start to stick together, add lemon juice and vanilla
4. Knead berry goo with cashews.
5. Flatten between wax paper with rolling pin
6. Wrap in wax paper. Keep refridgerated if possible.

Variations

• add 1/4 C cocoa powder and 1/4 C chocolate chips to berries while in food processor
• replace berries with figs, dates, apricots, etc...
• add more cashews if bars are too sticky, fewer if they're too dry
• dip bars in chocolate (yum!!)