Make Your Own Larabars!

So, a couple weekends ago one of my very best friends, Michelle, was here. We decided one of the many things we would do is a 30 mile bike ride along the Pacific Ocean. In the middle of that bike ride, I was starving and deprived of energy...and I had forgotten to bring a snack! That's when Michelle whipped out a couple of Larabars from her backpack...and that's when my addiction began.

What I love about Larabars is that they're 100% natural, nutritious, are very filling and about 200 calories - they really are the perfect snack. What I don't love about Larabars is the price...they sell for $1.60/each roughly...if you're really lucky I've found them for $1 (which is still crazy expensive for ONE bar). Given the ingredients are usually no more than 3-4, I knew they couldn't be that hard to make!

These are about as easy to make as a Margarita!

The only equipment needed is a food processor. This recipe is for the delicious Almond Cookie - any others are just as easy (peanut butter cookie is another of my favs!).

Makes 6 Bars
Ingredients:
1 Cup Dates
2 Cups Almonds
1 teaspoon Real vanilla extract

Directions:
Where you buy dates makes a world of difference in price - whole foods will sell you about 10 dates for $6. Costco will sell you about 80 dates for $6. Both are organic. Take your pick!

If you bought unpitted dates, pit them first, then dump into the food processor with the 1 teaspoon vanilla.

Process in the food processor until all are blended together with sticky consistency. Add the almonds, and pulse until they are chopped up and mixed together with the date mixture.

When mixed - dump out into a 9x9 dish and press/smooth out. Refridgerate for 1 hour (or as long as you want).

After it has chilled, cut into 6 equal sized bars. Then, wrap each in plastic wrap, and store in the pantry or out on the counter (keeps fresh for about a week).

Tadaa...homemade, 100% natural and nutritious, 100% easy peasy to make, and about 75% cheaper on your wallet! :)