Have you ever tried a Lara Bar? They're gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan to boot. But shockingly, they are not taste-free; they're delicious. I was dairy-free while nursing, and I ate my fair share of Lara Bars, but at $1+ a pop, they're not an every day snack.
You know what is an every day snack? Homemade Lara Bars.
This recipe is so easy that a 2 year old can make them. In fact, today's post is a guest post from MY 2 year old - Jack. Take it away J bone! (Translation by me).
Mommy, thank you vedy much for letting me write on pucuter! Jackie loves pucuter! Ok Mommy, we make chocolate cake like dis:
Step 1 - Remove pits from icky cockroaches - about a billion. Add blue rocks. Eat lots from bowl:
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| Translation: pit about 15 dates. Combine with other dried fruits (we love blueberries and cranberries). |
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| Translation: about 1-1.5 cups of almonds or walnuts, or a mixture of both. |
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| Translation: add 3 heaping TBLSP of cocoa powder. Your food processor appreciates a sprinkle. |
Step 5 - Hit button. Make loud:
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| Translation: process in food processor until the "dough" forms a big ball. |
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| Translation: actually, that's pretty clear. Make balls. |
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| Translation: practice quality control to ensure tastiness. |
Step 9 - Hide 2 from Grammy:
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| Translation: my MIL is obsessed with these. |
Dates- $8.39 for a package. It will make 4 batches, so $2.09
Homemade vanilla - like $.04
Nuts - $.97 from the bulk section
Dried fruit - $.57 from bulk section
Coconut - $.17 from bulk section
Total: $3.84. The recipe made 25 balls for a total of $.15 per ball.
The number of "balls in my mouth" jokes being made in the house? Priceless.
This is been posted on Monday Mania, frugal tip Tuesdays, Real Food Wednesdays, Simple Lives Thursday, and Pennywise Platter.
Great post, Jack and Sarah!! I think I have everything I need to make these, including the vanilla "booze"! :)
ReplyDeleteFound this recipe via Real Food Wednesdays. I love Lara bars, so I'm definitely going to try these, thanks! --Shanon
ReplyDeletePlease don't laugh at my question...
ReplyDeleteI HATE the taste/consistency of dried fruit. Does it taste like dried fruit and have the consistency?
E,HA HA IDIOT. j/k
ReplyDeleteThe consistency and taste is like cake batter or fudge. You will NOT taste "just" dried fruit
Wow, these sound great! Will try them soon.
ReplyDeleteI made these this weekend and they are half gone. I have a huge sweet tooth and I love how "naughty" they taste, but know they aren't! If you don't care I am going to link this post up with my blog. Thanks for sharing this!!!
ReplyDelete@ All About Us - link away! Glad to hear you enjoyed the "balls".
ReplyDeleteDo I keep this in the freezer or fridge or just in a container on the counter? I don't want it to go bad. How long will it be good for? Thanks!!
ReplyDeleteWow, sounds great, unless you're diabetic! Those are barely more than cookies. The nuts help a little.
ReplyDeleteThat's a LOT of sugar. Yes, it's fruit, but fructose and sucrose will both spike your blood sugar levels, and leave you with a crash. Be moderate in your serving sizes, especially with the young'un.
I would suggest adding some whey protein isolate to the mix, which will give your body something to hang onto as it processes all those carbs. This is pure protein, no lactose or any other stuff. If you are allergic, try soy, albumen, or another protein you are able to tolerate.
You can also add a little inulin or psyllium husk powder. No taste or calories, lots of fiber. This will add bulk.
Puffed grains, such as rice, barley, or wheat can also stretch the sugars out a bit.
Ande,
ReplyDeletea) I never claim to be a nutritionist. If you're looking for a blog with diabetic recipes, you'll likely need to look elsewhere.
b) puffed rice cereal is a simple carb which the body will process just the same as most sugars (yes, even dried fruit sugar). Plus it only has 2g of protein per serving. Why would you add a simple carb that will further spike your insulin, when the protein from the nuts is much much higher than cereal?
c) whey protein seems like one of the biggest snake oil sells in history. Protein powder is a ripoff and only makes people think they're making healthy choices.
Great answer, Sarah.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe you called the dates cockroaches! I think the same and for the longest time, couldn't eat them but just started too over the last few months! I was cracking up reading that! LOVE IT! and can't wait to make some bars!
ReplyDeleteKaren
These are amazing and I am officially addicted ;) Great on-the-go/short-on-time breakfast. Great snack for after a run. So easy to make and my kids love them too! Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDelete