make your own power bars ( and a birthday)

I came across this recipe of sorts last week somewhere, and for the life of me cannot find the link.  To the person who posted it, please let me know, because you deserve a basketful of credit. ( I just found the link!  It's from The Kitchn, here. )

What a revelation!  The recipe is this:

1 cup dried fruit in small pieces
1 cup toasted nuts ( I use a toaster oven for a few minutes)
1 cup date pieces

Toss in food processor until it forms a ball.  You can add a teaspoon of water to help it along.  You can change the fruits and nuts, but always add the dates.

Pat into a rectangle, cut into logs or form into balls, and let air dry, then store in container or plastic bag.

That's it!  I made them first with dried cranberries, toasted walnut pieces, and dates, and when that was gone in a flash, made dried cranberry, toasted cashew, and dates.  Isadora ate most of them today at my birthday brunch.  She made Julia's crepe batter, I made the crepes, and we all sat down to the most delicious meal!

And below, there are the cards the kids made me, which tickled me to no end, and made yet another snowy day delightful.

Isadora is just learning how to spell in first grade.  I think this says "Surprise!  Happy Birthday I love you so much"  ( awwwww)

And Frankie (aged two) calls me Mimi:)