ChocoCoco Raw Food Bar

I was this close to making brownies. I was hungry; we didn't have any chocolate chips, and I thought brownies would hit the spot. But at the last minute, I took the healthier path and came up with these little beauties. Now, they are very similar to the Super Yummy Raw Food Bar. But, and I am not joking or even embellishing, they taste SO similar to the little chocolate coconut bird's nests. You know what I'm talking about? So yum! Even Caleb and Madi are gobbling them up right now even though Caleb doesn't like nuts and Madi shouldn't have nuts. Anyway, here's the recipe...

12 dates
2 TBS peanut butter
1/2 C coconut
1 TBS honey
1.5 TBS cocoa powder
.5 C walnuts

Of course, these are all approximations because I don't measure. Just experiment...it's more fun that way. I think walnuts must be a softer or oilier nut than almonds because the texture on these is much finer... thus the coconut bird's nest comparison. Enjoy!

Raw Food Bars

So, I'm excited about my new culinary venture... making raw food bars. They're like Lara Bars. But Lara Bars and Organic Food Bars are so expensive! I'm trying to make the snack more cost effective. In order to do that I really need to get bulk dates, but this is a start. Here are a couple of recipes that I've made. It's really easy to tweak them. Also, I'm not anal about the raw thing because chocolate chips are tasty! Here's a blog with more detailed instructions and lots of combinations http://bunnyfoot.blogspot.com/2006/02/homemade-lara-type-bars.html

Super Yummy Raw Bar
12 dates
3 TBS peanut butter
1/3 C coconut
1/3 C oats
~25 almonds
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 TBS honey
handful of chocolate chips

Blend in a food processor. Add the chocolate chips at the end so they don't get too smashed. Smash it all into a big rectangle and refrigerate until firm. Then slice into bars. Yummy!

Key Lime Pie Bar
18 dates
1/2 C coconut
1/3 C oats
~18 almonds
lime zest
splash of lime juice
splash of tequila (why not?)

Same deal as above. And more yum.