"trail bars"

In my quest to come up with vegan trail food, I took a shot at making my version of Larabars which have very simple ingredient lists. I noticed that usually the first ingredient are dates (probably to hold the bar together), with the second usually being some kind of nut. My formula ended up like this;

1.5 cups pitted dates

1 cup nuts

salt to taste if using raw or unsalted nuts

First put the nuts into the food processor and grind for about 30 seconds. Then add the dates (make sure they are pitted!), then process until well well mixed. It seems to be easier for me if I do the nuts first for 30 sec.

So far the family favorites are cashews and peanuts. Macademia and pistacheo nuts seem too come out too oily. Have not tried any other nuts yet.

That's my big problem with so many raw food recipes--they use dates to hold the stuff together. I've always detested dates! Maybe I should try using dried apricots (my favorite dried fruit) instead? If anyone has done this, please let me know! Thanks!

OM, that's a great idea. I'll try some with apricots. I can tell I'll get sick of dates after about 5 days on trail . So going off of that suggestion, figs, raisins, dried plums; stuff like that would all be possible "binders" and might go better with different nuts.

There are a lot of homemade versions of various trail bars.

I like Kind: http://thewholekitchen.wordpress.com/2011/11/20/grain-free-granola-bars-diy-kind-bars/

We've pretty much decided that it's easier to just bring baggies of the good stuff as trail mix, and not worry about making the bars.

Lately I've been going with the trail mix approach also. I bring separate baggies of fruit, nuts, M&Ms and whatever and each day I vary the mix to my liking.