Logan Bars: High Fuel Food for Backpacking

Here in the great Northwest, we have a plethora of outdoor adventure options available at little or no cost to us (often only the cost of transportation and/or a day use fee of $3.00-$5.00). Our family just returned from a week at the lake where I not only enjoyed several hikes, but I also swam the lake (one mile each way) and kayaked. These energy intensive activities left me feeling revived, energized and just a wee bit hungry! Here is a variation of the fabulous high energy Logan bar recipe to enjoy on your next day (or week) hiking adventure.

Logan Energy Bars (named after Mt. Logan)

3 cups Bob’s Red Mill Organic Whole Wheat Flour
1 1/4 cup organic rolled (or steelcut) oats
3/4 cup Wholesome Sweeteners Organic Sucanat
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp Celtic Sea Salt
2 large, brown, free range eggs (or egg substitute like flax gel or Ener-G)
1/4 cup Wholesome Sweeteners Organic Molasses
1/2 cup local, raw honey
1 cup fruit puree (applesauce, banana, pumpkin, other?)
1/2 cup coconut oil
1 cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, blueberries, etc…)
1/2 cup hulled sunflower seeds
1/3 cup Enjoy Life chocolate chips or nuts of choice (if desired)

Preheat oven to 350 F. Prepare two 9×9 inch pans (spray with olive oil or lightly grease). Combine all dry ingredients (except seeds, nuts, fruit, cc) in a large bowl. Combine all wet ingredients in a separate bowl. Pour wet ingredients over dry and mix well. Now add your seeds, nuts, fruit and chocolate chips if using and mix well. Divide evenly between two pans and smooth down with a spatula. Bake for 40-45 minutes (you should get a spring back when you touch the top). Remove from oven, allow to cool and slice into 3 inch bars. Wrap in natural parchment paper, cloth napkins or reusable containers and refrigerate or freeze for later use.

Photo Credit: Family Hike at Mt Ranier by Chuck The Photographer at Flickr under Creative Commons License.