Easy to carry. Simple to pop and savour while on a rugged path. And quick to assemble in bulk. Make ahead and refrigerate for a week, or store in the freezer for up to a month.
Did you know?
Date Nut Energy Squares go down especially well with coconut water! In the ancient Indian language of Sanskrit, the coconut palm is known as kalpa vriksha, meaning “tree that gives all that is necessary for living.”
Spiced Date Nut Energy Squares
Ingredients
- 12 large, pitted Medjool dates
- 1/2 cup (125 mL) finely chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup (60 mL) coarsely chopped raw almonds
- 1/4 cup (60 mL) chopped dried mango
- 1/2 cup (125 mL) unsweetened, medium-flaked coconut
- 1/4 cup (60 mL) agave or brown rice syrup
- 1 tsp (5 mL) cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp (1 mL) nutmeg
Nutrition
Per serving:
- calories76
- protein1g
- fat3g
- saturated fat1g
- trans fat0g
- carbohydrates13g
- sugars10g
- fibre1g
- sodium6mg
Directions
01
Line a 9 in (23 cm) loaf pan with parchment paper. Combine dates, walnuts, almonds, mango, coconut, agave or brown rice syrup, and spices in food processor or high-speed blender. Pulse until it reaches the consistency of a smooth dough.
02
Press into prepared loaf pan. Cover and place in freezer until firm. Remove and cut into 1 in (2.5 cm) squares. Pack into small bags to take on the trail.
READ THIS NEXT
SEE MORE »
Roasted Vegetable Antipasti with Balsamic and Olive Oil
Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of this roasted vegetable appetizer platter. High quality ingredients, a variety of textures and colours, fresh herbs, and a flash of lemon make it shine. Not all olive oils and balsamics are created equal Use your good, fruity, cold-pressed extra-virgin olive oil to accompany this appetizer platter, since the quality and flavour will shine through. You can use a more neutral and affordable olive oil for roasting the vegetables, if you prefer. As for the balsamic vinegar, use either an aged one that’s thick and sweet, or reduce a young balsamic in a small saucepan until thick, optionally adding a pinch of sugar to sweeten it (see the oyster mushrooms with caramelized parsnips recipe for helpful directions). A store-bought balsamic glaze that’s already been thickened works as well, but check the ingredients for unwanted preservatives and sweeteners.
Roasted Roots and Lentils with Tahini Dressing and Zesty Herbs
Spooned over hearty fall greens such as kale or chard, this delicious side dish can also double as a main meal; its flavours absolutely pop with our zesty herb topping. The beets are packed with amazing nutrients, plus they’re delicious served hot, at room temperature, or cold. Add some crunch This dish is a meal in itself. Scatter toasted pine nuts or pecans overtop for some added crunch.
Broccoli ’Bou Stir-Fry
“One of my favourite stir-fry meals is broccoli beef, so when I found myself with several hundred pounds of Yukon Mountain caribou this past fall, I figured a ’bou backstrap would be an excellent game replacement,” says Cosco. “Paired with a side of rice, this quick game meal is ready to go.” Note to those afraid of cranking the heat: “The pan needs to be ripping hot to give an immediate sear,” says Cosco. Take a deep breath, and go for it. What’s backstrap? Backstrap comes from the caribou’s longissimus dorsi, the muscle that runs along the spine. Beef striploin would be a good substitution for the lean meat, says Cosco. The slices should be cut to the classic length of fajita strips, about 1/2 in (1.25 cm) wide.