Chocolate, Cranberry + Nut Energy Bars

No matter how many hours you worked over the weekend or how much you love the job you will head to on Monday morning, I am convinced that Sunday nights bring both a sense of calm of the evening and a twang of anxiety for the week ahead. Depending on the week ahead, the anxiety may be excitement or concern for the challenges ahead. Few things can calm this anxiety better for me than watching television with my husband and enjoying something sweet to snack on. These moments find themselves repeated throughout the week, at the end of the workday or mid-afternoon when you don't know how you are going to get through the rest of the day. This week, Shutterbean published a great resolve to the Sunday night build-up -- Chocolate Chip Cookie Energy Bars. I adapted the recipe and this Sunday evening, I am looking forward to the week ahead.

Here's what you'll need...

1  1/2 cup salted cashews
1/4 cups oats
1/2 cup dried cranberries (these were leftovers from last week's meatloaf)
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
2 oz chopped dark chocolate (72% Cacao)

Let's get started...

1. Combine cashews and oats in a food processor and blend for about 30 seconds.

2. Fold in cranberries, syrup and cinnamon. Process until the ingredients begin to stick together.

3. Add the walnuts and chocolate. Process for about 30 more seconds.

4. Cover an 8x8 baking dish with parchment paper. Allow the paper to hang over the sides.

5. Scoop the nut mixture into the dish and press into place with another piece of parchment paper on top.

6. Place the dish in the freezer for at least 2 hours to harden in place.

7. Cut into squares to serve. Store in the freezer -- or enjoy at room temperature with a spoon.

So, we've got some chocolate, but more importantly we have nuts and dried fruit -- healthy snack -- you're welcome. Have a great week.