When I'm not cooking, or teaching people to cook, or thinking about what to cook, or creating lesson plans for cooking classes, or shopping for ingredients, or.....well, you get the picture. Basically when I'm not food-obsessed, I can often be found out on the water here in Central Florida. I love kayaking around Brevard County and the surrounding area. I also drive in to Orlando three times a week to practice with my team, the Orlando Dragonboat Club. And every race we attend, I bring my "power bars".
We just returned from the three day US Dragon Boat Federation Club Crew National Championships in Sarasota where we brought home the bronze medal for the 200 meter in the premiere mixed small boat (10 man) division. It was a long, hot three days of intense competition and my power bars were there to fuel my teammates.
The recipe for this healthy snack involves no cooking. Into the food processor goes 1 cup of raw almonds, 8 pitted dates, 1/4 cup dried fruit, 2 tablespoons of sweetened flaked coconut, 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed, 2 teaspoons of pure maple syrup (or honey), 2 tablespoons of mini chocolate chips, and 1 tablespoon of water. This mixture is pulsed until finely ground. I line an 8" x 8" glass baking dish with plastic wrap and then press the mixture firmly into the pan. It goes into the refrigerator overnight and then in the morning I lift it out with the plastic wrap and cut it into bars.
Full of protein, fiber, and carbs (from the fruit), it'll keep you going for any athletic endeavor.
Paddles up ... take it away...
Let me know if you give it a try and comment on what sport or activity you are fueling!
Stay well!
~ Chef Kel
I'll let you know how mine come out!! P.S. My sister Corrie came to the race too. SouthBreeze. So fun watching too!!