lara bars

[ferb]

anyone every ate any of these? I picked up five boxes today, and ds is asking 'can you make these?' so what's a mom to do but try. I'd failed at trying to do something similar last year but now that i have something to work from i'm going to give it a shot.

oh i purchased the choc chip cookie dough flavored.

[levamssg]

I've eaten a larabar now and again ... but I make my own energy bars. They are pretty simple --- I mix together any combination of soaked/chopped seeds & nuts, add chopped fruits and soaked raisens or dates or figs ... etc. I add spices, sometimes add cacao nibs or powder, shape them into bars and dehydrate.

They are different every time -- and my non-raw husband loves them.

So, go for it ... I'm sure yours will be delicious.

[DebB]

Cherry Larabar

1/4 cup dates, coarsely chopped
1/4 cup dried cherries (replace with acceptable raw alternative)
1/4 pecans, coarsely chopped
pinch cinnamon

1. I processed the dates in my $9.99 Wal-Mart mini-chopper (looks like like a miniature food processor).
2. Removed processed dates to a bowl.
3. I processed the cherries and put in bowl with the dates.
4. I mushed up the date/cherries by hand till it was doughy.
5. I added the pecans to the mini chopper and processed till it was large-grained. Then I added the cinnamon and processed a bit more.
6. I mixed the date/craisins and pecan/cinnamon together.
7. Kneaded the mixture till it was a ball of dough.
8. I cut up the ball in half.
9. Shaped each into a larabar and refrigerated. (No saran wrap needed.)

This was amazing! It is as easy as has been said. It took me, an absolute rank newbie bar maker, less than 10 minutes to make and they were awesome! Also, a lot, lot cheaper than buying the bars! Plus I get to see exactly what goes into the bars I make.

" Cooking With Cat! Lara Bars!":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HONp...eature=related

Posted by Diana Cda: http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/showthread.php?t=60389

[DebB]

!!!! Lara Bar Clones - enlightenedcooking

Very Cherry Bars

(use as a template for almost any combination) -

LARA BARS use a multi-layer package that keeps out UV light and oxygen, which, in turn, maintains freshness without the use of preservatives. I use plain old plastic wrap and my refrigerator, then pop one in my bag when I’m ready to go.

1/4 cup chopped dates (roughly chopped whole dates, not pre-chopped)
1/4 cup dried cherries or dried cranberries
1/3 cup whole pecans, almonds or walnuts
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon

Set out two pieces of plastic wrap for shaping and wrapping the bars. Do this first; you’ll have sticky fingers when you need it.

Place the dates and cherries in a food processor. Pulse until processed to a paste (photo 1). Transfer paste to a medium bowl (don’t clean processor).

Add the nuts to the processor and pulse until finely chopped (photo 2). Add the nuts, along with the cinnamon, to the bowl with the fruit paste (photo 3). Use your fingers to knead the nuts into the paste (just keep squishing, it’s fun; brings back memories of play-dough; see photo 4).
.
Divide mixture in half. Place each half on each of one of the sheets of plastic wrap. Wrap the plastic around each bar and start squishing into a bar shape form, 3 and 1/2 inches long, 1 inch wide and 3/4-inch thick); press against countertop to flatten bottom side, flattening top side and ends with flat of hand (photo 5) Tightly wrap the plastic around each bar and store in the refrigerator. Makes 2 bars.
.
Nutrition per Serving (1 bar): Calories 207; Fat 9.4 g (sat .8g, mono 5.2g, poly 3.1g); Protein 3.9g; Cholesterol 0mg; Carbohydrate 24.9g; Sodium 0.4mg. (Note: I did the nutrition analysis using Diet Analysis Plus 7.0.1)

A Few Ideas for Variations:

Apricot-Almond: Use 6 tablespoons coarsely chopped dried apricots and 2 tablespoons date (to measure 1/2 cup total); use almonds for the nuts.

Tropical: Use tropical fruit bits (these come pre-packaged at the supermarket); use raw cashews for the nuts. Add 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/2 teaspoon finely grated lime zest, and 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice to the mix.

PB & J (cheap and delicious!): Use 1/4 cup dried cherries or cranberries and 1/4 cup raisins or dates; use raw or roasted peanuts (lightly salted or unsalted) for the nuts.

Blueberry Bliss: Use 1/4 cup dried blueberries and 1/4 cup dates; use almonds for the nuts. Add 1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest, and a drop of almond extract to the mix.

Cashew Cookie Dough: Reverse the proportions of fruit to nuts--Use 1/3 cup dates for the fruit and 1/2 cup raw cashews for the nuts.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough: Same as cashew cookie dough, but add 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, pinch of cinnamon and 1/2 ounce very finely chopped semisweet or bittersweet chocolate to the mix.

Pistachio Heaven: Same as cashew cookie dough, but use raw pistachios and add a tiny drop of almond extract.

Peanut Butter Cookie Dough: Same as cashew cookie dough but use raw or roasted (lightly salted) peanuts for the nuts.

Dates Nutrition Notes:
Dates are included in a majority of the LARA Bars, so I thought I’d mention a few facts about these wonderful fruits.

I love dates because I love brown sugar, and dates taste like brown sugar candy--hence they are a delicious and healthy way to curb my sweet tooth. One date has a mere 23 calories and is loaded with nutrition. Dates are an excellent source of carbohydrates (great for pre- or post-workout), contain no cholesterol, are high in fiber, and boast a wide range of nutrients, including calcium (32 mg per serving), Magnesium, Phosphorous, Potassium, Iron, Zinc, Copper, and Manganese.

Dates also contain vitamins A1, B1, B2, B3, B5, C and more than 20 different amino acids; they help in the digestion and assimilation of carbohydrates, and help to regulate blood sugar levels and fatty acids content in our bodies.

http://enlightenedcooking.blogspot.com/2008/02/home-made-lara-bars-energy-bars-part-3.html

pictures on site

[ferb]

oh wow thanks deb, can't wait to make some.

[DebB]

You're welcome! *Ü*

[laughalways]

Wow...thanks for this post. I love Lara Bars and I'm going to try these!

[MysticTree]

I picked up a nak'd bar today just to look at and was thinking of getting one until the price ticket caught my eye. Got to be cheaper and nicer to make my own! 75p for something about the size of a "Finger of Fudge" by Cadburys.

[Mary Kay]

Thanks for all those variations, DebB!

Does anyone know what kind of dates are used in Lara Bars? I use Medjool dates, and their flavor is kind of "strong." The flavor of the dates in Lara Bars is just "sweet."

Anybody?

Mary Kay

[sport]

I picked up a nak'd bar today just to look at and was thinking of getting one until the price ticket caught my eye. Got to be cheaper and nicer to make my own! 75p for something about the size of a "Finger of Fudge" by Cadburys.
Nakd bars are not raw. We have had a few threads on this in the past as a result of which I had communications with the company and they admit that very few of their ingredients are raw.
They justify their lies by claiming that they are still healthier than most bars.

[laughalways]

Thanks for all those variations, DebB!

Does anyone know what kind of dates are used in Lara Bars? I use Medjool dates, and their flavor is kind of "strong." The flavor of the dates in Lara Bars is just "sweet."

Anybody?

Mary Kay
Here's a copy of one of the comments by the blog's author on what kind of dates she uses:

Definitely opt for whole, pitted dates. You can find them in the dried fruit section in pouches (Sunsweet are my favorite--and they have no added ingredients; I've even bought jumbo bag of them at Costco). They are supersoft. You can find dates in the produce section, too, but somtimes they have been sitting for a long time, and as a result, are dried out (making them very hard to chop in the food processor)

[blue_soda025]

I did not know that they sell dates that are actually soft. I always thought all dried dates were pretty hard. That's really what discouraged me from making these bars. This one time that I tried processing dried dates, it sounded like my food processor was suffering badly, lol! And I do not want it to break, so yeah. Are these soft dates the medjool dates? I've only ever seen those types of dates around here, or perhaps also another kind but I can't remember which.

[DebB]

Fresh medjools are soooo soft, like a piece of fresh taffy ~ ~ Now, the pitted dates (organic) I buy at our HFS, those are pretty dried out (which, it's my understanding, pitted dates tend to be dry).

But - I haven't made the Lara Bars, would it not work to use soaked dates? Would that make the bars to soggy....? (I'm guessing it probably would) *Ü*

[Shona]

I buy honey dates in small plastic tubs at the grocery store. They are pretty soft.

[Mary Kay]

Thanks. Maybe I'll try a sampler set from Oasis, as I know their dates are truly raw. But geez, I bought Medjools in bulk and it's going to take me forever to go through these....

I want to make some bars for my kids, and I've only been successful in making some they like some of the time....Maybe I'll try an ACTUAL recipe this time, that was posted above!

Thanks again,

Mary Kay

[MysticTree]

Nakd bars are not raw. We have had a few threads on this in the past as a result of which I had communications with the company and they admit that very few of their ingredients are raw.
They justify their lies by claiming that they are still healthier than most bars.

I tend to agree with that. I looked at the ingredients and none of them said raw anything! It just sounds as though they don't cook the bars!!! I still thought it was expensive.

[mellowgirl09]

!!!! Lara Bar Clones - enlightenedcooking

Very Cherry Bars

(use as a template for almost any combination) -

LARA BARS use a multi-layer package that keeps out UV light and oxygen, which, in turn, maintains freshness without the use of preservatives. I use plain old plastic wrap and my refrigerator, then pop one in my bag when I’m ready to go.

1/4 cup chopped dates (roughly chopped whole dates, not pre-chopped)
1/4 cup dried cherries or dried cranberries
1/3 cup whole pecans, almonds or walnuts
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon

Set out two pieces of plastic wrap for shaping and wrapping the bars. Do this first; you’ll have sticky fingers when you need it.

Place the dates and cherries in a food processor. Pulse until processed to a paste (photo 1). Transfer paste to a medium bowl (don’t clean processor).

Add the nuts to the processor and pulse until finely chopped (photo 2). Add the nuts, along with the cinnamon, to the bowl with the fruit paste (photo 3). Use your fingers to knead the nuts into the paste (just keep squishing, it’s fun; brings back memories of play-dough; see photo 4).
.
Divide mixture in half. Place each half on each of one of the sheets of plastic wrap. Wrap the plastic around each bar and start squishing into a bar shape form, 3 and 1/2 inches long, 1 inch wide and 3/4-inch thick); press against countertop to flatten bottom side, flattening top side and ends with flat of hand (photo 5) Tightly wrap the plastic around each bar and store in the refrigerator. Makes 2 bars.
.
Nutrition per Serving (1 bar): Calories 207; Fat 9.4 g (sat .8g, mono 5.2g, poly 3.1g); Protein 3.9g; Cholesterol 0mg; Carbohydrate 24.9g; Sodium 0.4mg. (Note: I did the nutrition analysis using Diet Analysis Plus 7.0.1)

A Few Ideas for Variations:

Apricot-Almond: Use 6 tablespoons coarsely chopped dried apricots and 2 tablespoons date (to measure 1/2 cup total); use almonds for the nuts.

Tropical: Use tropical fruit bits (these come pre-packaged at the supermarket); use raw cashews for the nuts. Add 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/2 teaspoon finely grated lime zest, and 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice to the mix.

PB & J (cheap and delicious!): Use 1/4 cup dried cherries or cranberries and 1/4 cup raisins or dates; use raw or roasted peanuts (lightly salted or unsalted) for the nuts.

Blueberry Bliss: Use 1/4 cup dried blueberries and 1/4 cup dates; use almonds for the nuts. Add 1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest, and a drop of almond extract to the mix.

Cashew Cookie Dough: Reverse the proportions of fruit to nuts--Use 1/3 cup dates for the fruit and 1/2 cup raw cashews for the nuts.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough: Same as cashew cookie dough, but add 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, pinch of cinnamon and 1/2 ounce very finely chopped semisweet or bittersweet chocolate to the mix.

Pistachio Heaven: Same as cashew cookie dough, but use raw pistachios and add a tiny drop of almond extract.

Peanut Butter Cookie Dough: Same as cashew cookie dough but use raw or roasted (lightly salted) peanuts for the nuts.

Dates Nutrition Notes:
Dates are included in a majority of the LARA Bars, so I thought I’d mention a few facts about these wonderful fruits.

I love dates because I love brown sugar, and dates taste like brown sugar candy--hence they are a delicious and healthy way to curb my sweet tooth. One date has a mere 23 calories and is loaded with nutrition. Dates are an excellent source of carbohydrates (great for pre- or post-workout), contain no cholesterol, are high in fiber, and boast a wide range of nutrients, including calcium (32 mg per serving), Magnesium, Phosphorous, Potassium, Iron, Zinc, Copper, and Manganese.

Dates also contain vitamins A1, B1, B2, B3, B5, C and more than 20 different amino acids; they help in the digestion and assimilation of carbohydrates, and help to regulate blood sugar levels and fatty acids content in our bodies.

http://enlightenedcooking.blogspot.com/2008/02/home-made-lara-bars-energy-bars-part-3.html

pictures on site




Can you come uncook for me.

[DebB]

Can you come uncook for me.

Heehee ~ Well, they're not "my" recipes, but can you imagine trying all those? whooh! A friend made & brought peanut butter LaraBars to our last Raw Food Meetup and I just requested her recipe, they were so good! *Ü*

[DebB]

My friend just sent me this link (http://www.healthhabits.ca/2010/06/18/homemade-larabar-recipes/) - wow - it's LOADED with LaraBar recipe links, etc.

Here's the recipe of the peanut butter L'Bars she brought to the meetup - I'd never had a PB bar before and wow was it good.

Peanut Butter Cookie Makes 2 bars

1/2 cup chopped medjool dates
1/2 cup unsalted roasted peanuts
1/8 teaspoon salt

food processor – about 1 minute – wrap – store.

OK….now we’re ready for the BEST “LARABAR” flavor EVAH!Are you ready….drum roll…Wait for it….
PB&J Bar!!!Makes 2 bars
Same as the Peanut Butter Bar but now add 1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon of dried cherries towards the end of the processing time – like when there’s about 20 seconds left..

[MysticTree]

My friend just sent me this link (http://www.healthhabits.ca/2010/06/18/homemade-larabar-recipes/) - wow - it's LOADED with LaraBar recipe links, etc.

Here's the recipe of the peanut butter L'Bars she brought to the meetup - I'd never had a PB bar before and wow was it good.

Peanut Butter Cookie Makes 2 bars

1/2 cup chopped medjool dates
1/2 cup unsalted roasted peanuts
1/8 teaspoon salt

food processor – about 1 minute – wrap – store.

OK….now we’re ready for the BEST “LARABAR” flavor EVAH!Are you ready….drum roll…Wait for it….
PB&J Bar!!!Makes 2 bars
Same as the Peanut Butter Bar but now add 1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon of dried cherries towards the end of the processing time – like when there’s about 20 seconds left..

It sounds good but you state roasted peanuts ... did you mean unroasted or is it actually a non-raw recipe?

[DebB]

It sounds good but you state roasted peanuts ... did you mean unroasted or is it actually a non-raw recipe?

That's a good question - I assume she used the roasted peanuts. Peanuts aren't typically a part of my diet, and to be honest - I don't know how they'd taste with unroasted peanuts...? *Ü*

[MysticTree]

That's a good question - I assume she used the roasted peanuts. Peanuts aren't typically a part of my diet, and to be honest - I don't know how they'd taste with unroasted peanuts...? *Ü*

nor me ... but I understand that peanut butter made with unroasted is not always a nice thing!

[sport]

I think that Lara make theirs with unroasted as that is one of the ones that they list (rightly or wrongly) as raw.

[myndzai]

Mary Kay said: But geez, I bought Medjools in bulk and it's going to take me forever to go through these....

Do dates freeze OK?

[DebB]

Do dates freeze OK?

A couple years ago, I contacted the grower of the Medjool dates that Costco then sold to ask if they were organic or ? In the information he sent back, he said that yes - dates freeze very well and in fact was how his wife stored their own dates.

I've never frozen dates, but I wouldn't hesitate to. I buy 5# of (organic) medjools at once and then I divide them up and Food Save them.

I do make and freeze date paste though - tastes great! *Ü*