Homemade Lara Bars

Wow. Just 8 days away from Christmas. Just like last year, it still doesn't feel like Christmas here in Boston without any snow. The hubby and I will be traveling to Indiana to spend Christmas at my brother and his wife's house, so we have high hopes for gross midwest weather there. Since I'm taking several back-to-back rest days on my juice cleanse right now to allow my body some time to heal and rejuvenate, I'm a little sad that I'll be without my gym around the holidays. I won't be able to get right back into my regular routine, so I'm working on some good ideas for home/outdoor workouts. So is life! There will never be enough time or money, and resources will always seem barely adequate. I was feeling that this past weekend grocery shopping, as the prices of fresh organic fruits and veggies are starting to rise as they go out of season. I was determined to get everything I needed for my juice fast, but was looking for other ways to cut costs. That's how I got this fantastic idea - homemade Lara bars.

Ok, no hatred for Lara, but the ingredients on some of them, e.g. the Cashew Cookie flavor: cashews and dates. It's a brilliant simple combination of flavors, but why do I have to pay $1.50 for one bar?! Hey, no shame here: copy other people's brilliant ideas whenever possible, I always say. 

Homemade Lara Bars

1 c. cashews

6 dates, pitted

First, place cashews in food processor and chop for about 20 seconds or until powdery. Add dates. Process until mixture is somewhat sticky. It should stick together when you press down on it. You don't want cashew butter here, so don't overdo it. Once processed, dump into baking pan and press down as firmly as you can, evening the edges as you go. Refrigerate overnight or for at least a few hours. Enjoy!

They were super easy to cut. I just used a butter knife. They didn't stick to the pan or break apart at all.

Makes 6 servings (a little smaller than actual Lara bars).

Nutrition facts:

145 calories

4 grams protein

Of course, I have mad plans to figure out the correct proportions of the rest of the Lara Bar flavors. I'll send 'em your way if I do.

Another delicious homemade treat from this past weekend: POPCORN! So overpriced. Buying a bad of kernels is cheaper, and in my opinion much tastier when made with coconut oil. Just use about 2 tbsp. coconut oil, melt over medium heat, add popcorn kernels, cover and raise heat to med-high. Pop away! And then DOUSE with salt....if you're me. 

Although there are people who say that no oils are "healthy", if you are going to cook with oil, make sure you're using one that has a high smoke point. Coconut oil is safe for use on high heats. The cells will not break down into free radicals (carcinogens), and the taste is undeniably amazing! 

We thoroughly enjoyed our popcorn in front of the Christmas tree with our yearly viewing of Elf. I just canNOT get enough of Will Farrell. Did I mention the hubby's homemade hot chocolate? DELISH. I've gotta record that recipe to share with you all. 

Happy holidays,

Avocado Athlete