Homemade "LARA BARS"

Homemade "LARA BAR"

What is a LARABAR anyway? Basically it is a granola bar minus the granola. It is just fruits, nuts,  spices and some even have chocolate. 


This allows them to be gluten-free and grain free for that matter. They are good for everything from a snack on-the-go to a guilt-free dessert. 


You can buy them in bulk at Costco, but the most cost efficient is to make them yourself. Dekalb Farmers Market has the best selection of dried fruits at the best price - yes, it is worth the drive.


Here is our favorite "LARA BAR" recipe:

our favorite ingredients

1 cup of pecans
1 cup of dates
1/2 cup tart cherries
1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
1 tablespoon almond butter


1. process pecans only for 30 seconds
2. add in the rest of ingredients 
3. process until everything comes together




Don't feel like you have to stick to any recipe, make them your own way. Try adding blueberries or apples, almonds or walnuts. Create a yummy treat today & ENJOY!

Going Gluten-Free

Gluten-Free Blackberry Muffin

More and more people are becoming sensitive to gluten proteins found mainly in wheat, barley and rye. Wether you have a true gluten allergy (celiac disease), eczema or want to lose weight; going gluten-free today is so much easier than it was even three years ago. Grocery stores have labeled gluten-free products on their shelves or have designated gluten-free sections. National brands are coming out with gluten-free versions of your favorite snacks and local gluten-free bakeries are surprisingly popping up.

Here is a list of some of my favorite gluten-free products:

1. Pamela's Baking & Pancake  Mix

2. Pamela's Brownie Mix

3. Blue Diamond Nut-Thins

4. Ancient Harvest Quinoa Pasta

5. Lara Bars

6. Pure Bliss Granola Bars

7. Udi's Pizza

8. Against the Grain Baguettes

9. American Gra-Frutti Multi-Grain Daily Bread

10. Gluten-Free Tamari (Soy Sauce replacement) 

Made with Pamela's Baking Mix

Trade-Offs:

instead of couscous/pasta try rice, millet, quinoa, risotto

instead of crackers try corn chips or popcorn

instead of bread try corn tortillas or lettuce/collard wraps

instead of cookies try granola bars

instead of cake try flour-less tortes

If you feel like you have a gluten sensitivity or any food for that matter, try the elimination diet to see how your body reacts after removing suspected foods for one month.