Here's a great home-made alternative to those cardboard-tasting energy bars for your backpack or cycling jersey:

Appalachian Trail Cookies

1/4 cup shortening
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1/2 cup shredded coconut
3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon pastry flour
pinch salt
pinch baking soda
pinch ground cinnamon
2 cups old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup raisins
1/3 cup roasted unsalted peanuts
1/3 cup M&M candies

Blend shortening, butter, brown sugar and sugar. Add egg and mix well. Add coconut, flour, salt, baking soda and cinnamon. Mix only until blended. Fold in oats by hand, then mix in raisins, peanuts and M&Ms. Spoon out in equal portions on parchment-lined baking pan. Bake at 360 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden brown. Makes two dozen.

Calories: 157; Fat: 7 grams; Carbs: 21g; Protein: 3g