March 1, 2009

Nesting and Nourishment

When I fell asleep last night I had the intention of rising early and heading to Echo Lake for a hike. However upon waking at 6:30 am I was feeling super stuffed up and also had the need to nest. I am not sure where the need came from but I felt like cleaning and getting my crafty/desk area organized as well as my climbing and hiking gear sorted out.

So this morning I have been moving at a snail's pace but have managed to get the laundry done, the desk cleaned up and enjoyed a wonderful Cinnamon Scone from Whole Foods. While digging in my pantry I found the raw sunflower seeds I purchased a few days ago and decided it was time to make a small batch of Energy Bites.

I can't recall where I learned this recipe but have been making them for a few years now. I will be the first to admit, they're not that pretty. However they're all natural, delicious, and pack a lot of energy in a little package. I like to freeze them and then bring them on hikes or to the climbing gym for a snack.

So here it goes, simplest recipe ever! What you need:

1 Cup Honey
1 Cup Peanut Butter
1 Cup Carob Powder
1 Cup Seeds (I vary it and tend to use a combination of Sesame, Pumpkin, Sunflower and Flax)

Pour the honey in a medium size sauce pan and heat on low to medium heat. When honey is liquidy add the peanut butter. When the two have melted well together add the Carob Powder. When it is dissolved add in the nuts.

After all the ingredients are well mixed transfer to a baking pan. Depending on how big you want your bites you can use a loaf pan or an 8" x 8" pan. Place in refrigerator at least one hour to set-up. I then cut them up into squares, place a few in a baggie, and throw them in the freezer. They last about a week in the refrigerator or a month (or more) in the freezer. Enjoy!

7 comments:

icancarryallthebagsandthebabiestoo said...

Hey, that's weird. I posted a comment earlier and it's not showing!

I'm making a run to whole foods first thing in the morning to grab a few ingredients that I don't have (like carob powder.)

It's going to be a fun project for B, L and I.

Tali said...

Those darn comments, always acting up.

I look forward to hearing what you think of the recipe. They can be a bit sweet so small portions are best. :)

icancarryallthebagsandthebabiestoo said...

Hey, do you think I'd be able to substitute honey for Agave nectar?

Tali said...

I think it would work fine as far as taste goes. I would guess the consistency and texture would be similar enough but I have never cooked Agave nectar.

With the recipe as is, the bites are slightly sticky but not messy. So that's kind of what you're looking for when substituting.

You can also try them with differnt butters. I made a batch with almond butter once. A but pricey in comparison but quite yummy.

icancarryallthebagsandthebabiestoo said...

I think I'm going to use almond or cashew butter and add some nuts to this. Or maybe I'll make two batches. One with nuts and one without...

After all...

sometimes you feel like a nut. Sometimes you don't.

Get that out of your head now!

nikkol said...

i read this over at homespun oasis first...that recipe IS AWESOME! i like all the variations, too. thanks for sharing

Tali said...

Thanks Nikkol. I am working on some variations myself. Check back in a couple of days for some new ideas :)