So this was our first attempt at making some delicious and nutritious trail food. Since we are leaving on an 8 day backpacking trip in just 66 days (but who’s counting). We thought we’d better get cracking. You can read a bit more about our upcoming trip here.

This recipe was a combination of many recipes we found, along with extra ingredients we had on hand. It turned out great. Calorie and nutrition dense, it seems perfect to schlep around in our packs. However, I think the shape is bad. Next time we will try it in an 8″ square pan and then cut it into packable, smashable squares. This is not a low calorie recipe. It is meant to have maximum calorie/protein/sugar punch in a small package!

High protein granola balls
1 cup old fashioned oats
1/2 cup chunky peanut butter, or any nut butter you have on hand
1/3 cup honey
1/3 cup coconut flakes
1/3 cup mini chocolate chips
1/3 cup peanut butter chips ( this made the balls pretty sweet)
1/4 cup slivered almonds, chopped a bit
1/4 cup sunflower seeds
1/4 cup dates, chopped
1 – 2 T chia seeds
1 – 2 T wheat germ
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 – 1 tsp cinnamon

Mix peanut butter, honey and vanilla together. Add in the rest of the ingredients and mix well.

Using a cookie scoop form into balls, using damp hands to form further. Put onto a cookie sheet or plastic container. We put ours into the refrigerator for the time being. Can stay at room temperature. They should keep for about a week.

Cindy