Category Archives: home made larabar

Larabar redux – Part II

Chocolate Coconut Loribar – proclaimed the best one yet by John (probably because of the chocolate).

This time I soaked the dates. I have noticed a big difference in dates as far as moisture content goes, so keep that in mind when you make these. I currently have Amport Foods Pitted Dates, and these are drier than, say, the Dole brand. I poured boiling water into a dish with some dates, and then let them sit for several hours. Then drained off the water.

Ingredients:
20 grams of dates (about 4)
13 grams of Designer Whey natural
28 grams of almond meal
15 grams of coconut flakes
6 grams Giardhelli cocoa powder

In a food processor, pulse the dates, almond meal and cocoa powder until well combined. It will ball up into the processor, then you will know it’s mixed. Put into a bowl and add the protein powder. Mush thoroughly until well combined. Keep mixing – it will add in, even though it will seem dry at first.

Toast the coconut in a fry pan and allow to cool. Divide the dough into 2 equal pieces and roll into bars. Divide the coconut in half and roll each bar into the coconut – pressing to make it stick.

Voila – 2 yummy bars! These are almost like under done brownies. A bit chewy, chocolately and good. I really couldn’t taste the dates in these at all with the cocoa.

Stats:

Approximately 175 calories, 10 grams of fat, 15 carbs, 3 grams of fiber and 8 grams of protein per bar.

Larabar redux

Been playing with home made Larabars.
My first attempt came out pretty crumbly, since I wanted to add protein powder – and that is what has been the problem. I actually crumbled this mixture into oatmeal, and it’s really good!

Anyway, today I did a better bar consistency-wise, and I think this recipe is pretty much a keeper. Now dubbed the Loribar!

20 grams of dates (this is about 4 – no sugar added, just plain dates)
13 grams of protein powder (I used whey)
1/2 oz of cashews
35 grams (about 2 tbsp) reduced fat natural peanut butter. (I used Smuckers)

In a food processor, chop up the dates into small pieces. Remove and put in a bowl. Add the cashews to the processor and chop until they are tiny pieces. Add to the dates. Add the protein powder and mash the mixture together. I found it was easier just to use my hands to smoosh it all together to get an even mixture. Heat up the peanut butter for 20-30 seconds in the microwave so that is is more liquid. Add to the bowl and mix really well. This will still seem somewhat dry, but form into 2 bars by pressing the mixture hard and wrap in plastic wrap and keep in the fridge. As it sits, the protein powder hydrates more and the bar will stay together. I think I might try soaking my dates the next time to give them more moisture. Not quite as moist as a Larabar because of the protein powder, but very tasty! This tastes a lot like a peanut butter cookie!

Makes 2 bars

Stats per bar: 197 calories, 11.5 gram of fat, 16 grams of carbs, 2 grams of fiber, 10.5 grams of protein.

You’ll be seeing more variations on this bar in the future (cocoa powder, I’m looking in your direction!!)