Recipe: Crispy Nut Butter Bars

In keeping with the trail snacks theme, here is another favorite homemade snack to enjoy on the trail! These crispy bars are made mostly with pantry staples, so I won't be surprised if you already have everything you need to whip them up.

I usually enjoy these in the cooler months since they get a bit melty on hot days, but by no means are they off limits for sunny summer adventures - maybe just pack them in an airtight container so your gear doesn't end up smeared with chocolate.

Ingredients

1 cup old-fashioned oats ½ cup brown rice crisps or Rice Krispies 1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut ¼ cup ground almonds or oats 3/4 cup of almond or peanut butter 1/3 cup honey ½ teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon vanilla

For the optional topping:

¼ cup dark chocolate chips 2 teaspoons coconut oil

Directions

1. Mix together oats, rice crisps, coconut, ground almonds and salt. 2. In a small saucepan (or in the microwave), melt the nut butter, honey and vanilla on low until you can stir it evenly. 3. Pour the nut butter mixture over the dry ingredients and mix well with a spoon. Add more nut butter or oats depending on the consistency. The mixture should stick together, but be moist enough that you can press it into a pan. 4. Press the mixture tightly into an 8×8-inch pan and place it in the fridge. The tighter you pack the mixture, the better shape your granola bars will hold. 5. Add chocolate chips and coconut oil to a bowl and microwave on low for a few rounds until melted. 6. Pour chocolate mixture over nut butter bars and place back in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. 7. Cut into whatever size granola bars you prefer. They can be kept in the fridge for up to two weeks.