It's all in the mix

What trail is complete without a mix? As moms on the go, we are always on the lookout for quick, healthy and convenient snacks. We asked Wendy who shared with us these great bars that are packed with goodness and great to grab as you head out the door. She makes The Nourishing Mama bar for her newly breastfeeding mama pals (but adds that the kids love them too). The Oatmeal On-the-Go Bar is great for breakfasts or snacks and stores well in the fridge or freezer (she suggests individually packing them first). Thanks Wendy!

Nourishing Mama Bars

Ingredients:

• ½ c Nut butter
• ½ c Brown rice syrup or honey
• Sunflower/pumpkin seeds/sesame seeds
• Handful of chopped nuts
• Handful of dried fruit (blueberries/cranberries/raisins)
• Coconut
• 1 tbsp of cocoa or chocolate protein powder
• Couple handfuls of brown rice cereal

Directions:

• Heat nut butter and sweetener on stove till blended.
• Remove from heat and add protein powder or cocoa powder till blended.
• Mix in jar of seeds, nuts, etc...enough till the mixture is thick. (you’ll figure out how much of each you want to throw in there....mine are different every time, depending on what I have on hand!)
• Fill ice cube tray or small muffin tins with mixture and place in the fridge until they harden.

Oatmeal On-the-Go Bars (Makes 18 Bars)

Ingredients:

• 2 Cups Old Fashioned Oats
• 1 Cup Whole Wheat Flour
• 1 1/2 Tsp Cinnamon
• Pinch of Salt
• 1 Tsp Baking Powder
• 1 1/2 Cup Milk (any kind of milk — rice, almond, soy, cow’s — will work)
• 3 Tbsp Agave
• 1/2 Cup Applesauce
• 1 Large Egg
• 1 Tsp Vanilla
• 3/4 Cup Dried Fruit (Cranberries, Raisins, Blueberries, and/or Cherries)
• 1/2 Cup Nuts (Walnuts, Sunflower Seeds, and/or Pepitas)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Place the first 5 dry ingredients in a bowl and stir to combine.
3. Mix the milk, applesauce, egg, agave, and vanilla in a separate bowl.
4. Pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stir to combine and then stir in the dried fruits and nuts.
5. Pour the oatmeal mixture into a buttered or greased 7 x 11 inch baking dish.
6. Bake for 30 minutes or until thickened and golden.
7. Cool, cut into squares and serve.

*Allow to cool, cut into squares and place in a ziploc bag to freeze up to 4 months. When ready, allow to defrost in fridge for 24-48 hours.

*Refrigerating the bars will make them last up to 5 days.

Oatmeal On-the-Go Bar recipe and photo courtesy of Weelicious.