Trail Mix Energy Bars Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped dates
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/4 tsp salt

Special equipment needed:
- 9x9 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Food processor

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper.

2. In a food processor, pulse the rolled oats, almonds, and walnuts until coarsely chopped.

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped nuts, dried cranberries, chopped dates, honey, peanut butter, mini chocolate chips, unsweetened shredded coconut, and salt. Mix well.

4. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan and press down firmly with a spatula.

5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

6. Remove from the oven and let cool completely before cutting into bars.


- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Temperature:
- 350°F
Serving size:
- Makes 12 bars

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 5g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 16g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can substitute the chopped almonds and walnuts with any other nuts of your choice.
- You can substitute the dried cranberries and chopped dates with any other dried fruit of your choice.
- You can substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- You can substitute the peanut butter with any other nut butter of your choice.
- You can omit the mini chocolate chips if you prefer.

Variations:
- You can add chia seeds, flax seeds, or hemp seeds for extra nutrition.
- You can add cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for extra flavor.
- You can add a scoop of protein powder for extra protein.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to press down the mixture firmly in the baking pan to ensure that the bars hold together.
- You can store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Storage instructions:
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Reheating instructions:
- You can microwave the bars for 10-15 seconds to soften them before eating.

Presentation ideas:
- You can wrap the bars in parchment paper and tie them with a ribbon for a cute presentation.

Garnishes:
- You can sprinkle some extra shredded coconut or mini chocolate chips on top of the bars for garnish.

Pairings:
- These bars are perfect for a quick breakfast or snack on-the-go.

Suggested side dishes:
- You can pair these bars with a piece of fruit or a yogurt for a balanced snack.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the bars are too crumbly, try adding more honey or peanut butter to the mixture.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to store the bars in an airtight container to prevent them from getting stale.

Food history:
- Energy bars have been around since the 1960s and were originally created for athletes and hikers who needed a quick source of energy.

Flavor profiles:
- These bars are sweet, nutty, and slightly chocolatey.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve these bars as a quick breakfast or snack on-the-go.

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Taste: Chewy, Nutty, Sweet, Fruity, Salty