Fruit & Nut Bars!

I love Lara Bars and Kind Bars. I do not love paying over a $1 an ounce for one...especially when we go through several a day in this house! So, after testing out a few recipes, here is my version (plus a few extra flavors) of the fruit/nut bar. These only took about 15 minutes from start to clean up. I will be adding more flavors once I try them out!

Raisin Crunch

What you need:

• 1 1/3 cup pitted dates (roughly 10 dates)
• 1 cup salted almonds
• 1 cup salted cashews
• 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
• 1/4 raisins
• 1/4 craisins (can omit and use additional 1/4 cup raisins)
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 2 tbsp water

What you do:

Sorry for the lack of pictures...these didn't last long!

1. In a food processor (I use a Ninja BL700 Kitchen System 1200 (Google Affiliate Ad)), blend dates, vanilla, and water. 
2. Scoop out date mixture into a large mixing bowl. 
3. In food processor, pulse almonds and cashews until chopped fairly small (not so small that it turns into flour/meal). 
4. Add nuts to date mixture. Toss in sunflower seeds, raisins, and craisins. 
5. Knead together with your hands until fully mixed. 
6. Depending on how thick you want your bar, you can press the mixture into an 8x8 baking dish, pie pan, or a bread pan. 
7. I lined my pan with foil so that it would be easier to get out (...and so I wouldn't have to clean another dish!)
8. Freeze for 2 hours. 
9. Cut and enjoy! 

 Coconut Almond

• 10 pitted dates
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 2 tbsp water
• 6 tbsp unsweetened coconut flakes
• 1 cup pecans
• 1 cup salted almonds
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds (if you don't have these, add 1/2 c of whole almonds)
• 3 tbsp honey (add at the end when kneading)

Chocolate Cherry Chunk

• 10 pitted dates
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 2 tbsp water
• 1.5 cup almonds
• 1 cup cashews
• 1/4 cup dried cherries (I cut mine in half) (add at the end)
• 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (add at the end)

Almond Flour...CHEAP Almond Flour!

Almond flour is a fantastic alternative to wheat flour (not to mention way, WAY, healthier!). I use it for breading, pancakes, waffles, brownies, and cookies (recipe to come!!). Buying almond flour a pound at a time for $11-13/pound is a little (ok, A LOT) ridiculous, right? How about paying $3-6/pound? That sounds a lot better!!

At California Gold Almonds, you can buy blanched or natural almond flour for as low as $2.99/pound! They have a $5 flat rate shipping, too! However, anytime I have ordered (whether it's been a 10 pound bag or a 25# bag) shipping has always been free...yep, FREE! AND, my order always gets here within a week!
You can also purchase almonds, walnuts, and pistachios from California Gold Almonds. I have been ordering from CGA for awhile and I have never, ever, been disappointed!