Athlete Energy Bars

I am thinking about competing in an Ironman triathlon in a few years and was bet that I couldn't run the race Paleo. In a quest to prove some gentlemen WRONG, I came up with a recipe for some bars that are made with nuts and fruit and provide carbs and fat and they are the healthy kind even (no pasta here). I hope these will also be utilized by Andy with is competing in Ironman CDA 2011. GO ANDY!!! They would also be a good snack, good for school lunches and just a bar on the go think Lara bar just more nutty! They are kid tested and approved thanks Brooklyn and Katie!

1 C Almonds

3/4 C each dried apricots and dates

1/4 C Orange juice

dash of sea salt

1/4 C each pumpkin and sunflower seeds

2 Tbsp Ground flax seed- optional but a very healthy addition

In your trusty food processor (did you get one yet? what are you waiting for?) mix the almonds until they are finely chopped add the dried fruit and mix again until it forms together add the O.J. and salt pulse a few times and lastly add the seeds and flax and pulse a few times more just to incorporate. Pat into a foil lined 8x8 inch pan and bake in a 300 degree oven for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and cut when still warm. I cut them and wrapped them individually in plastic wrap and stored in the fridge for easy snacking.