Chewy Walnut Trail Mix Bars

How are you doing with that new year's resolution to lose 10 pounds?

If you're winning, good for you.

If you're not, don't be too hard on yourself. I'm sure you look great.

I think the best way to stick to a weight goal is to be prepared. If you have an apple tucked away in your bag or desk drawer you'll be less likely to make a quick trip to the vending machine when that late afternoon wall starts to hit.
Of course, an apple is good in theory but it's doesn't amount to much when all you want is a big ol' chocolate bar.

These bars of grainy goodness studded with dark chocolate chips come a lot closer.

Full of nuts, seeds and dried fruits, they're a yummy sweet snack that fills your tummy without sending you on a sugar high (and then crashing to a sugar low).

Change up the nut/seed/fruit combo to whatever suits you best. They're incredibly portable and one of the few recipes I've seen that stick together without peanut butter. (If you want a bar with peanut butter try out vegan power bars.)

Tuck one of these bars in your bag or car to combat the afternoon growlies, they're darn good.

Chewy Walnut Trail Mix Bars

Makes: about 15 bars

Source: http://www.walnutinfo.com/

3 cups old fashioned rolled oats

1/4 cup whole wheat flour

1/3 cup brown sugar

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp cinnamon

1 cup coarsley chopped walnuts

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

1/2 cup pumpkin seeds

1/2 cup shredded coconut

1/4 cups sesame seeds

1/2 cup dried apricots or date

1/2 cup butter, cut into pieces

1/2 cup honey

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In a large bowl, whisk together oats, whole wheat flour, brown sugar, baking soda and cinnamon. Stir in walnuts, cranberries, chocolate chips, pumpkin seeds, coconut and sesame seeds. Set aside.

2. In a food processor, process apricots until broken up, about 1 minute. Add butter and continue to process until a paste forms, about another minute. With motor running pour in honey until blended and smooth.

3. Fold honey mixture into oat mixture. Press evenly into a greased 9'' x 13'' pan. Bake for 30 minutes or until golden. Cool completely before cutting.