Homemade Larabars

Larabars are awesome but kinda expensive, don’t you think? I tinkered in the kitchen tonight and came up with these “larabar-esque” creations. I can’t wait to try some more new flavors!

Almond Cookie
Makes 2-3 bars

  • 1/4 cup dates
  • 1/2 cup almonds
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
  • plastic wrap

Lay out three pieces of plastic wrap, each about the size of a half sheet of paper.
Combine all ingredients in food process and process for about 2 1/2 minutes.
Form the dough into bars and wrap each in a piece of plastic wrap. Store in the fridge – if they last that long ;)

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookie
Makes 2-3 bars

  • 1/2 cup dates
  • 1/4 cup cashews
  • 2 tablespoons peanut butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • plastic wrap

Lay out three pieces of plastic wrap, each about the size of a half sheet of paper.
Combine all ingredients except the oats in the food processor. Process about 2 1/2 minutes.
Add in the oats and pulse 4-5 times.
Form the dough into bars and wrap each bar in a piece of plastic wrap. Store in the fridge.

Chocolate Coconut Pie
Makes 2 bars

  • 1/4 cup cashews
  • 1/4 cup dates
  • 12 oz dark chocolate (I used Green and Black’s 85%)
  • 4 tablespoons coconut
  • 1/8 teaspoons salt
  • 1/4 cup rolled oats
  • plastic wrap

Lay out three pieces of plastic wrap, each about the size of a half sheet of paper.
Combine all ingredients in the food processor. Process about 2 1/2 minutes.
Form the dough into bars and wrap each bar in a piece of plastic wrap. Store in the fridge.

What flavorĀ  “larabar” will you create?

Raw

Lately I’ve been craving raw foods. My main staple lately has been fruit salad.

DSC_0070DSC_0071It’s mostly berries (strawberries, blueberries, blackberries) + kiwi + unsweetened coconut + sliced almonds. Last weeked I added cashew cream as a special treat!

Cashew Cream

  • 1 cup raw cashews
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 T maple syrup
  • 1/2 t vanilla

Blend all ingredients together. Adjust syrup and vanilla as needed. Store cream in the refridgerator for about 1/2 hour to thicken.

Tonight I enjoyed this for dinner:

DSC_0077DSC_0078It’s 1/2 a papaya with fresh lime juice! Kate eats this often and it is really great – light and refreshing!

I also had some of the Ginger Carrot Salad I made yesterday, inspired by a salad I had at Mount Madonna last week. I forgot to measure the ingredients so they are approximate So feel free to play around until you get the flavor you love.

Ginger Carrot Salad

  • 4 cups shredded carrots (organic please!)
  • 1/2 cup orange juice, fresh if possible
  • 1 T freshly grated ginger
  • 2 T honey
  • salt to taste

In a medium size bowl, combine the raisins and the carrots.

Mix together the orange juice, ginger, honey, and salt until everything is blended together.

Pour the orange juice mixture over the carrots and raisins.

Enjoy! It tastes even better the next day :)

DSC_0088DSC_0087