Crispy Cashew-Sesame Energy Bars

I was flipping through my beloved Bon Appetit Magazine the other day and found a cool video feature that was in line with these three new culinary goals; I have no interest in spending $5 on a pre-packaged energy bar, have a whole pantry full of nuts, seeds, grains and dried fruits to use, and have a busy week of outdoor adventures, meetings and late evening trainer rides to make it through. I make portable energy bars + snacks often (this, this and this are favorites) but these were new flavors to try! New textures! And new ideas that are more than worthwhile sharing here.

The foundation behind awesome homemade energy bars is ridiculously easy. To make your own formula at home, you’ll need:

• A BINDER: brown rice syrup, honey, maple syrup, agave, will all bind your bars. You could also combine cherries, dates, apricots or figs in a food processor with a little water to make a fruit paste. This is the glue that will make all of your other ingredients stick together.

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• A HEALTHY ENERGY BAR BODY: use nutrient rich building blocks that add texture. Try wheat germ, wheat bran, uncooked quinoa, ground nuts, toasted oats, unsweetened coconut or wheat bran

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• CRUNCH: crunch is EVERYTHING to me and I don’t like energy bars that are gummy or too soft. Adding crunchy elements – like nuts, seeds, toasted small grains (like quinoa) or cacao nibs – will deliver a powerful, nutritious punch and will keep you satisfied