Pinole Energy Bars

From OneIngredientChef

Ingredients:

• 1 cup masa harina (Note: Masa harina is cornmeal treated with lime (the mineral lime, not the fruit). If you cannot find masa harina, use regular cornmeal – it won’t make a huge difference
• 2/3 cup water
• 3 tbsp honey or brown rice syrup (You CAN use other sweeteners like maple syrup; basically, this helps hold the cakes together and adds just the right amount of sweetness)
• dash cinnamon

The following are OPTIONAL (I use 'em all)

• 2 tbsp chia seeds
• 2 tbsp chopped nuts
• 1/4 c dried chopped fruit (raisins, dates, etc)
• 1/4 c chocolate chips

Equipment:

• Skillet
• Oven
• Food Processor (helpful, but not necessary)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF.
2. Toast the cornmeal and chia seeds in skillet over medium-high heat for 5-8 minutes. This step is essential, but can be tricky: If the heat is too low, the cornmeal won’t toast. If the heat is too high, it will burn. Keep a constant eye on it and stir regularly.
3. Except for the chocolate chips, add all the ingredients to a food processor and pulse (or just mix it thoroughly by hand) until there are no large chunks of fruit remaining. If the mixture is too crumbly, add a little more water until you’re left with a thick paste.
4. If using chocolate chips, mix them in AFTER you're done pulsing (otherwise, they just disappear and melt into the mix, which is fine if that's what you want).
5. Form the mixture into 3 rounds, about 3/8 inch thick and 5 inches in diameter. 
6. Bake on a nonstick tray for about 10-12 minutes until the outside forms a solid crust and begins to show small cracks. 
7. Remove from the oven and let cool.  Slice into rectangles or triangles.  They can be eaten immediately or saved in the refrigerator for several days.  (I make big batches and freeze.  GREAT homemade energy bars, especially if you add peanut butter).

You can these into half moons and eat half before running and the other upon returning. Or, if it’s a long workout, I’ll take the other half (in plastic wrap) with me and eat it along the way. When eating them at home, I highly recommend topping with peanut butter for some extra awesomeness.