Make Your Own Energy Bars

Pro-Bar founder Art Eggertsen's recipe for a protein-rich calorie grenade. With dates, maple syrup, and Grand Marnier, you can't go wrong.

1 ½ lbs chopped dates
3 tbsp maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla
2 tsp fresh orange zest or Grand Marnier, or ¼ tsp orange extract
½ tsp sea salt
¼ tsp allspice
1 tsp cardamom
½ c dried currants or other dried fruit
½ c chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds
½ c of your favorite
granola or toasted oats

1. Chop the dates and combine them with the maple syrup, vanilla, orange, salt, and spices.
2. Stir in the currants, nuts, and granola until you have a firm consistency.
3. On a lightly oiled baking sheet, roll out the mixture to a uniform thickness of about ½ inch.
4. Chill in freezer for 15 minutes, then cut into bars.

[via Outside Magazine]