Sunday, August 2, 2009

älysiabars

So, I came upon this post on Chocolate & Zucchini via a link on Craftster. Basically, the author was introduced to lärabars, which she enjoyed, and decided to try to make a homemade version. I like to pack a little snack like this when I have class or am otherwise going to be somewhere where I might get hungry, but good-quality energy bars can get expensive, and who wouldn't rather make their own?

I was intrigued.

I am not a big chocolate fan, so I decided to change this recipe around to suit my tastes.
Behold, the älysiabar:



Ingredients:
1 16oz package Medjool dates
1.5 cups roasted unsalted mixed nuts
Juice and most of the zest from one small lemon
1/4 cup whole flax seed
1/3 cup dried cranberries
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
A little bit of whole wheat flour (or any flour, really)




First, pulse the nuts in a food processor until they are broken up, but not reduced to a dust. Remove and set aside.

If your dates are not pitted, you will need to pit them yourself (like I did). Simply slice in half with a paring knife and remove the pits.



Process dates into a thick paste in the food processor. You will know they are mashed enough when a ball forms and starts threatening to jam up the blade. Take the ball out, break it into pieces, and put it back into the food processor (your hands are going to be sticky now if they weren't already).

Add the rest of the ingredients (except for the flour), and process until mixed, or until another ball forms. Take the ball out, and if it looks like it could still use a little mixing, knead it around in your hands.

Flour your baking pan (I used an 8.5" square pyrex dish) and then press in the mixture.




Put it in the fridge and let it set until firm, then cut up into small rectangles and wrap them individually in plastic wrap. I got 15 out of the batch, they seem small but they are really rich and packed with energy. A little goes a long way! They will keep for about a week in the fridge.




Enjoy!


3 comments:

  1. oh my god ive been meaning to do this for ages!!!!!!!!!!!! im going to make my own version too but this is awesome alysia.

    :)

    you better bring me some when i get home.

    and what do you think about freezing them?

    ReplyDelete
  2. You know, I'm not sure... I think I will try freezing one or two just to see what happens.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oooohhhhhh I love it! I will be "following" this blog! YUM!

    ReplyDelete