We take long road trips and I so wish they were short. Poor Rad in his car seat. But, my parents live about four hours from us, and I like to get over to their place as much as possible. Rad gets to enjoy the quiet countryside at their place and splish splash in their pool.

Rad’s been a fab traveler but I do love now that at 11 months, he will take a grain and fruit bar from me, as I pass it back from driver’s seat across and over child seat. He will happily munch on one of those for a good half-hour, putting me at ease and keeping his belly pleased, for, well, that half hour.
I found some tasty cereal bars here in Ontario – Fruity Chomps from Love Child – that are made up of dried fruits, quinoa and amaranth. They sure are delish but they sure are $4.99 for 6 bars. What if one falls from Rad’s dribbling mouth and wedges between the folds of his seat? One down.

So, I like to make my own. He can shove as many of these not-expensive bars into the fabric of the carseat as he wants. Although, I do hope he doesn’t take me up on that.

Keeping it real simple with oats, dates and coconut oil. But, your pantry is your inspiration.

Driving Date Bites

4 dried dates, pitted

1/2 cup regular rolled oats

1/2 tablespoon coconut oil

Preheat oven to 350 F.

Add all ingredients to a food processor (or a Bulleit) and whir away. Check for consistency – you want the mixture to hold together if you pinch a sample between your fingers. Let it be a bit moist.

Form into bars (or any shape you would like!) and place on a parchment-lined cookie sheet.

Bake for 7-10 minutes until slightly golden.

Remove and let cool.

Wrapped tightly, bars will hold at room temperature for at least three days.

Num, num.

K