recipe: for the trail bar

If this is your first time visiting, you might want to see this post for a little background on why I'm choosing to eat this way. I would also really encourage you to read "Prevent & Reverse Heart Disease" by Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn, "The Engine Two Diet" by Rip Esselstyn and/or watch "Forks Over Knives" (available on hulu.com). And then, if you are a believer, weigh what you learn against Scripture and prayerfully ask God how He would have you apply this information, if at all, to your life. I've been praying through Romans 14 lately, if you too want to check it out.

My biggest challenge this past week is adding enough flavor to recipes without increasing the salt. Harder still is adjusting recipes I used to love but now lack the same flavor because I'm decreasing the sodium content. Not that I'd make things salty to begin with, but I'm realizing eating is as much about habit and familiarity as it is about taste. I think I may have hit on the solution by doubling the seasonings and maybe adding a few more in there, but this will continue to be an ever evolving process.

I'm also looking into the raw style of eating since I rarely feel the need to add anything to raw fruits and veggies (although a little salt on a garden fresh tomato is pretty tasty ;) )

So here's one recipe in the raw line of cooking - it's a recipe my mom discovered years ago in a British cookbook and I remember having a hard time not eating the whole pan in one sitting. It also makes a great energy bar and is really simple to prepare... whether you're on the trail or not.

For the Trail Bar

3/4 c. dried, pitted dates (organic if possible)
2/3 c. raisins (organic if possible)
2/3 c. dried apricots, mangos or apples* (organic if possible)
1/2 c  almonds, cashews or hazelnuts* (organic if possible)
1-2 tsp honey or agave
2-3 tsp orange juice (organic if possible)
approximately 1/2 c. quick oats

*or any combination of these

In a food processor, grind dates, raisins, dried fruits and nuts until smooth. Add sweetener and juice until the mixture begins to bind together. Add just enough oats to give a firm texture. Spread into a 8x8 square glass dish and keep refrigerated.

I discovered that using dried mangos gives the bar slightly sweeter taste. Apricots provide more tang.


Keeping it in perspective:  When I took a long, careful look at your ways, I got my feet back on the trail you blazed. I was up at once, didn't drag my feet, was quick to follow your orders. Psalm 119: 59-60 MSG