PEAR, GINGER AND COCONUT ENERGY BAR

I definitely prefer making my own energy bars to use on the bike. I know what’s going in them, it is a bit easier on the wallet and my taste buds appreciate it too. These bars are high in carbohydrate to fuel long training rides, aren’t too bulky to carry, don’t fall apart in your jersey pocket and are quick and easy to make. Another bonus is that the flavour enhances the longer these sit out of the oven. Enjoy.

INGREDIENTS

- 1 ½ cups rolled oats - 3 Weet-bix - 1 cup chopped dates - 1 pear - ½ cup coconut - 1 egg - Pinch of salt - 40ml olive oil - ¼ cup honey - 1 teaspoon vanilla powder - Good sized chunk of ginger (adjust depending on your love for ginger) -1 cup green tea (250ml liquid)

METHOD

1. Pre-heat oven to 190°C. 2. Brew green tea as per loose leaf or tea bag instructions, ensuring you have 250ml of liquid. 3. Add all ingredients into a blender/cake mixer. Remember to take the core out of the pear. Blend until you have smooth consistency. 4. Line a baking tray with baking paper and spoon mixture on and then flatten out with a spatula. 5. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until golden brown, depending on thickness. This slice will feel soft while it is still warm and firms up as it cools. For a gluten free option you could try swapping the oats for cooked buckwheat or rice and use gluten free weet-bix. Make 6 serves: 1520 kJ, 5.8g protein, 50g carbohydrate and 13g fat.