Dates Bar

What is the most exciting part of the trip for you ? You would call me crazy if I say getting ready for the trip, packing up food to eat while on the drive etc. is very exciting for me. And yes to make sure that we don't get bored of the same item, I pack up different things that we could munch on. This dates bar was experimented for one such trip and I must say, even before we started the trip , it got over :). These are super yum and filling too.

With the crunch of the walnuts and flax seeds and the sweetness from the dates, and the feel good factor that I am munching on something healthy, makes this snack option the perfect and the preferred one. You could add or delete the ingredients, except for dates, as per your creativity or liking to make it interesting for you are your family. They are perfect for kids snack box too. Here is how I made it.

Ingredients

1. 1 1/2 cup of rolled oats
2. 1 cup of walnuts
3. 1 1/2 cup of pitted dates
4. 1 cup of shredded coconut
5. 1/4 cup of flax seeds

Method

• In a baking sheet spread the oats and walnuts. Preheat the over to 375 F. Once preheated, reduce the heat to 350 F and toast the oats and walnuts in the oven for about 5-6 minutes or untill golden brown. 
• Meanwhile, in a food processor, add the dates and puree it. Remove it into a dry bowl. 
• Chop the roasted walnuts roughly.
• Add the roasted walnuts and oats, flaxseed and shredded coconut. Mix it all well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
• Spread a 9x9 inch pan with cling wrap. Drop the dates mixture into it. Flatten it well and press it down so that they stick together into a huge bar. Chill it in the refrigerator for about an hour. Remove from the refrigerator and cut it into bars and serve.

Tips

1. You could try adding other dry fruits like raisins or dried cranberries etc to make it more interesting.