Homemade Larabars

Almost a month since I've blogged. Ah. A little internship update... I'll say my last rotation was very busy-I just finished my longest rotation at the hospital (clinical).  It was SO great... I definitely learned a ton working at the hospital and was challenged greatly- but, the rotation didn't leave much time for extras such as blogging:-)   At any rate, I am super excited about my next rotation with Cooking Matters, a program out of Denver which I will travel to various locations and teach cooking/healthy eating & nutrition classes to the less fortunate.  I don't think I could have picked a better degree!
I was able to come home for a few days for Christmas...Tomorrow, we (the fam) are headed to go cross country skiing. Tonight I made some homemade Larabars for tomorrow's little outing...

These are my favorite gluten free fruit and nut bars.  They contain anywhere from ~ 3-5 ingredients (which are all natural).  They are simple, healthy, and packed full of protein and fiber.
Homemade Larabars are super easy to make.  I went to the Larabar site (www.larabar.com) and created some flavors to mimic those of Larabar. (Note: This week Larabar released their new flavor-CAPPUCCINO. YUM!...can't wait to try my soon-to-be favorite flavor!) 
Below are the 4 different recipes I came up with...Enjoy!

LARABARS


Directions: (for all four bars)

1.  Coat a small clear baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.

2. Combine all ingredients in food processor.

3.  Process until all ingredients are chopped well, and start to form a ball.

4.  Remove mixture from processor and press into bottom of baking dish, forming a layer approximately 1/2" thick.

5.  Place in refrigerator for 1 hr.  Remove and cut into bars. 

Enjoy!

Lemon Poppyseed

1/2 cup pitted dates

1/2 cup walnuts, toasted

2 tsp lemon juice

1/8 tsp vanilla extract

1/8 tsp almond extract

1/8 tsp salt

1 T poppyseeds

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Almond Cookie
1/2 cup pitted dates

1/2 cup almonds, toasted

1/8 tsp salt

1/8 tsp vanilla extract

1/8 tsp almond extract

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Cappuccino

1/4 cup pitted dates

1/4 cup raisins

1.5 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup + 2 T walnuts & pecans (mixed and toasted)

2 tsp instant coffee or whole coffee beans

dash of seat salt

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Mocha Crunch

1/4 cup pitted dates

1/4 cup raisins

1.5 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup + 2 T walnuts & pecans (mixed and toasted)

2 tsp instant coffee or whole coffee beans

dash of seat salt

1 T dark chocolate chips

2 tsp cocoa powder

These bars (Larabar brand or homemade) are both gluten free!

Merry Christmas!!!