Power bars

This Sunday I will be running my second half marathon in 2010. I will be traveling to San Francisco for the Nike Women's marathon. People who want to participate must enter a lottery. I joined a group with my co-worker. If one member of the group is picked, the entire group is able to participate in the race. I'm not sure which one of us was picked, but we are all running!

The race starts near Union Square, therefore my hotel is also near Union Square. This means I will be in close proximity to one of the best shopping spots in San Francisco. My favorite bath and body store, Lush, will be within walking distance. My point is, I plan on bringing as much food as I can, so I don't have to purchase food. The money I save can go toward a controlled shopping spree in Lush. At least, that's the plan.

I have canned pumpkin to use, so I decided to try this recipe for pumpkin energy bars: http://cycleandstyle.com/2009/10/pumpkin-energy-bars/

I substituted apple sauce for canola oil; cloves and cardamom for pumpkin pie spice (I used pureed pumpkin pie filling); and wheat germ instead of flax seed.

As a power bar, it tastes decent.

I also tried a recipe from a vegan website claiming to have a recipe similar to a Clif bar type of which I've never heard. Here's the recipe: http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2009/10/13/make-these-now/

I wanted to use the dark cocoa powder she recommended, but I did not want to make a trip to the store. I used Hershey's unsweetened cocoa powder. I did not have dates, so I used dried cranberries. Again, they taste descent. I have to set aside my desire for a delicious desert type flavor. I made power bars not cookies.

I'd make them both again. I hope to try a different pumpkin power bar recipe tomorrow.