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June 13, 2012 Comments (5) Nutrition

The Ultra Marathon Pinole Espresso Buzz Bars

Picture of pinole espresso bars

The recipe below was graciously provided by Alex Bridgeforth, a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army.  Thank you Alex for allowing us to repost this on our site.  Lieutenant Bridgeforth’s information is provided at the bottom of the post. 

When I began running, I wanted to create a healthy homemade fuel; something I could share with everyone.  I decided to create something using one of my favorite ingredients, Pinole.  Even with research and initial recipes, it took time, and multiple tries, to perfect the entire process.  In the end, I succeeded in creating an energizing, healthy fuel.

Some background: I originally heard about Pinole and Chia Seeds while reading the book “Born to Run” by Christopher McDougall.  He tells of the Taraumara Indians who run for hours and hundreds of miles in the Copper Canyons of Mexico using Pinole like we use gels.  My mind was asking, “If it’s that healthy and energizing for them, then why not try it for myself?”

When I originally sourced recipes and ingredients, I was concerned that the large amounts of expresso might make the bars too bitter.   Turns out that that coarse grind of the expresso, combined with the chocolate, worked well and final recipe was given the thumbs up by all who tried them.   There’s about 100mg of caffeine per bar according to my calculations.  I’ve  found that half a bar before a workout, or run, gives me the perfect jumpstart.

Although, a tad more crumbly than I would like, others have not commented on that aspect.

I hope you enjoy.

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 cups Cornmeal (toasted dry on the stove for 5 minutes in sauté pan)
  • 1/2 cup Amaranth (toasted with the cornmeal)
  • 3 Tbsp. chia seeds
  • 6 Tbsp. of brown sugar
  • 3 tsp of cinnamon
  • 3 eggs
  • 6 Tbsp. of Local Honey
  • 4 Tbsp. Chocolate Blended Protein
  • 4 Tbsp. Almond Butter
  • 8 Tbsp. course ground Espresso Beans

 

Procedure:
1. Mix the dry ingredients; toasted cornmeal & Amaranth, chia seeds, brown sugar, protein powder, Espresso Beans and cinnamon.
2. Add the eggs, sweetener, and almond butter.  You will have a coarse pasty substance.   I find it best to mix by hand.
3. Place the mixture into a 12″ x 12″ greased pan. You can use either Pam or butter. Spread the Pinole evenly and place in the oven at 315 degrees for 20 minutes.
4. Let it sit for about ten minutes then place in the freezer for ten minutes.  The freezer helps the Pinole stick together before I cut it into squares.

Give it a try and let me know how it works out.   Would also love to hear your own variations on this recipe.

My blog is “Addicted to Running” @ runningaddiction.tumblr.com 

I post interviews, shoe/fuel/gear reviews and about my training.

Alex Bridgeforth
2LT, SC
S-3 Training AOIC, 11th Tactical Theatre Signal Brigade

This recipe was originally posted at Espresso Pinole (Tarahumara Energy Bars) [Recipe]

[author]Alex Bridgeforth is a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army.   He’s ran 3 Full Marathons and is an aspiring 50 and 100M racer.

He loves to Run, Ride, and do Crossfit at the local gym.  He is addicted to running and has created  Addicted to Running, a running blog.

Also, check out his twitter @AlexBridgeforth [/author]


5 Responses to The Ultra Marathon Pinole Espresso Buzz Bars

  1. mkreuzer says:

    When we tried them we messed up by not using coarse ground espresso beans. That made the coffee taste overpowering. Our fault.

  2. Sue says:

    Hi, This looks great. Can’t wait to try it. But I have a question: Does the 1/2 cup Amaranth refer to Amaranth flour or the whole seeds?
    Thanks.

  3. Andrew says:

    Alex,

    I’m also a military officer. I just found your recipe. Do the chia seeds cause any complications during drug testing?

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