No Bake Chocolate Chip Granola Bars

1/2 c. slivered or sliced almonds

1.5 c. raw unsalted cashews, coarsely chopped

1.5 c. old fashioned rolled oats

1.5 c. crispy brown rice puffs cereal (Erewhon or 365 brand found at Whole Foods)

1 c. coconut nectar (or brown rice syrup) (can be purchased at WF, amazon.com, vitacost.com)

1/4 c. raw coconut crystals (or date sugar) (can be purchased at WF, amazon.com, vitacost.com)

2 t. vanilla extract

1/4 c. dark chocolate chips

LARABARS

If you've never had a LARABAR, you must!  These are one of our favorite convenience snack foods.  I keep some in our cars, as a healthy portable snack option.  While they are processed, their short, simple ingredient lists give them a 5 star rating.  Most contain dates, and some type of nut, as the bars' base flavor.  Our personal favorites are the fruity ones:  Cherry Pie, Key Lime Pie, Lemon, Blueberry Muffin, Apple Pie.  Cappucino is a newer flavor, and is lots of fun.  Whole Foods has the largest variety by far.  Followed by Harris Teeter and Trader Joe's.  Super Target carries a few flavors.  Typical price per bar runs between $1-$1.50.  Whole Foods gives a discount for buying a case and Harris Teeter often has them on sale for $1 each.  I have purchased boxes in bulk from Amazon before, that brought the cost per bar below that.  We cannot stress enough, though, to always read (ingredient) labels, because I know at least one of the chocolate varieties contains added sugar. 

My sweet neighbor friend recently jumped on the bandwagon to improve her family's diet.  She has amazed me with her eagerness to learn and try new things!  I am so proud of her and I love to watch the glow in her eyes as she breaks through the myth that healthy food is boring and unflavorful.  Earlier this week, she made these little morsels of joy, a homemade version of the LARABAR.  Delicious does not adequately describe how good these were!  Even better than a real LARABAR!  I thought about them all day yesterday!  And I am determined to get to the store for dates, at least by the end of the week.  They are very rich in flavor, so a little goes a long way.  We both agreed that instead of bar shapes, next time she (I!) would roll in tiny balls to make them bite sized.  I think the fact that these are stored in the fridge, accentuates the flavors even more.  This recipe comes from Chef Katelyn.

Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough LARABARS
1 c. pitted, packed medjool dates
2 T. raisins
2/3 c. almonds
1 t. vanilla extract
2 T. mini vegan (or dark chocolate) chocolate chips

In a food processor, pulse almonds into small pieces, or until no whole almonds are left.  Add dates, raisins, and vanilla extract, then pulse until combined and it starts to roll around in a ball.  Add chocolate chips and pulse a few times, then place in a bowl and mash with your hands.  Break up into 5 equal sections and form into bars.  Wrap with wax paper or plastic wrap.  Store in the refrigerator until you're ready to eat.

Happy sweet eats-
dawn

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Protein Bars

1 1/2 c. old fashioned oats
1 c. almond (or peanut) butter
1/2 c. honey
1/2 c. pumpkin
1/2 c. unsweetened apple sauce
1 c. protein powder (optional)
2 T. pumpkin pie spice
1/2 c. dark chocolate chips (optional)


This is a recipe I've adapted from The Gracious Pantry to suit my own tastes.   
Preheat oven to 350.  Roast oats for 10-15 minutes on a cookie sheet (until golden brown).  Remove from oven and cool.  Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Spread dough to 1/2 inch thickness in a baking dish or 1/2 sized cookie sheet.  Bake for 20 minutes or until it is golden brown.  Cool.  Cut into granola bar size, and store in airtight container. 

Note:  These are very soft and moist.  They are not portable bars, as they crumble easily.  You will want to enjoy their deliciousness over a plate or napkin!