Homemade Larabars

 I love Larabars.  I usually eat them for breakfast everyday and they are a great quick grab for that late afternoon snack before the work day ends.  If you've never had a Larabar, it is a bar made of just fruit and nuts.  They only usually have a few ingredients: dates, nuts, and sea salt.  They are also promoted as: gluten free, dairy free, soy free, non-gmo, vegan, and kosher (score!).

I eat them so much that I decided to make up my own recipe.  They turned out wonderful and are very filling!

In comparison, each 1.7 oz Larabar cost's $1.25 per bar.  Mine cost ~$.30 per each 1.7 oz bar.  That saves you $.95 (almost $1.00) per bar!  Calorie wise, mine come out to about 205 calories vs. Larabar's 220.

I chose to use Target Market Pantry Dry Roasted Peanuts (lightly salted) and a local grocery store's California Raisins.  Note, if you pick up organic or different ingredients, the cost of the bar will vary.

How to make your homemade Larabars:

• Gather these items:
• Food Processor
• Parchment Paper
• 8 in x 8 in Pan
• 12 oz Raisins
• 8 oz Dry Roasted Peanuts - lightly salted* - note: for your bars to be gluten-free you must make sure they aren't processed in a factory that also processes wheat 
• 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
• 1 tsp (or more to taste) Cinnamon
• 1 - 2 TBSP Honey - note: local to your area is preferred

• What to do:
• Measure out 1 cup of raisins (6 oz) and blend in food processor for approx. 20 seconds
• Once blended, pour in the remaining 1 cup raisins (6 oz), 1 tsp cinnamon, and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract.  Process until all blended together.
• Add in 8 oz Dry Roasted Peanuts and the honey.  Blend until all blended together - this takes approx. 1 minute depending on how big/fast your food processor is.  You may have to take out some mixture and blend separately depending on your machine.  Feel free to add as much honey to your liking - I'd say between 1 - 2 TBSP would be fine.
• Place parchment paper in the bottom of the 8 in x 8 in pan.  
• Remove the mixture from the food processor and place in the pan.  Flatten to the pan and place in refrigerator.  (I left mine in overnight)
• Cut into pieces to your desire and enjoy!

Let me know what you think! :)