Inspiration Larabar

Have you tried a Larabar yet? If not, you should. They seem to be one of the healthiest snack/energy bars out there. And big bonus; they are dairy, soy and gluten free, vegan and kosher too. They're not baked or cooked and use very simple whole organic ingredients. What's in them? Pretty much just fruit & nuts with some spice variations in each flavor. My favorites? I love the Cashew Cookie bars. They're the perfect size to fit in my bag for when hunger strikes and I feel good that sugar's an unlisted ingredient... with the exception of the bars that contain any chocolate. Most organic snack bars are expensive so with the Larabar concept in mind, I whipped up my own version.

Cadi Balls & Bars

What you Need
11 oz dates
1/2 cup raw cashews
1/2 cup roasted & salted cashews
1/4 cup Enjoy Life dairy free mini chocolate chips (optional)
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp salt

The Process
Take the pits out of the dates and grind them into a paste in a food processor.
(If you can find dates in the store, pre-pitted and ground, use that & soften the package in the microwave).
Put the date paste in a bowl.
Pulse all the cashews in the food processor until they're in very small pieces. Don't let them turn into powder.
Add the cashews to the dates. Add vanilla & salt and chocolate chips (optional).
Mix it all together very, very well - it's messy, but use your hands. It's the best way.
When it's all mixed and mushed together into a large glob, break pieces off and roll into balls in the palms of your hands.
Or - form them into bars on a plate.
Place on a plate in the fridge for a few hours.
When they've hardened up, wrap them individually in plastic wrap. They keep in the fridge for a while.
The perfect little 2-bite sized snack.