Looking to puree dried dates

[jitsuboy]

Hi everyone.

I just bought a Vitamix 5200 to chop/puree dried dates. I'm trying to make raw food bars like Lara Bars but the Vitamix keeps shutting off because the dates are too sticky. I'm looking into food processors but I don't know if I even need one.

Any input would be great!

[MysticTree]

A food processor is better suited. But a sharp knife is good if you aren't doing a lot.

[jitsuboy]

A sharp knife is not going to make Lara Bar consistency...

I need something that will grind the date into a thick consistency.

[jitsuboy]

if I add water the the Vitamix and then add the dates? Or will that just make a puree?

[MysticTree]

Water when will probably make it too wet.

[SunshineMN]

What about pre-soaking the dates then draining them before trying them in the Vitamix. Or how about using a mortar and pestle to mash them?

[jitsuboy]

Vitamix is not good for that purpose i've discovered. It CAN work, but you have to dig your hand down at the bottom. I'm buying a Cusinart Elite processor. Should work better :]

[walnutty]

Why not throw all the ingredients into a food processor at the same time? That should work great as all the "Larabar" copy recipes I have seen show them made that way.