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.
Home made Larabar
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. 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.