How many times have you needed to grab something real quick as you head out the door to your workout…starving, needing some fuel but not too much. You have zero time to make something and just need it to #getinyourbelly 10 minutes ago. I have a little treat for you that was sparked by my friend Mr. Chris Daniels (otherwise known as CD). He sent me a photo awhile back of a little coconut chocolate creation he was making. I mean, this guy has some cooking chops it seems. I have never sampled anything other than a cherry kombucha (which was fab-a-lous), but the pic of the little ball he made gave me all the info I needed to start my own quest of a yummy homemade Lara-type bar. I prefer bars over balls, just saying.
So, here we go, the creation of my cranberry coconut bar. Let’s talk about the ingredient choices first. Dates = natural glucose, sucrose and fructose = quick energy…. Ummm, yes please. Maybe you haven’t had a date in awhile (I know, I get it, you’ve been busy) but really, you must read this article and re-visit the date situation. You will be glad you did! Here is a taste:
“The benefits of dates include relief from constipation, intestinal disorders, heart problems, anemia, sexual dysfunction, diarrhea, abdominal cancer, and many other conditions. Dates are good for gaining weight also. Dates are rich in several vitamins, minerals and fiber too. These delicious fruits contain oil, calcium, sulfur, iron, potassium, phosphorous, manganese, copper and magnesium which are all beneficial for health. Some health specialists have said that eating one day per day is necessary for a balanced and healthy diet.
The massive health benefits of dates have made them one of the best ingredients for muscle development.” https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/fruit/health-benefits-of-dates.html
Chia seeds are the next major playa in these bars. Yeah, you heard me right, playa! Seriously, are you eating or drinking chia yet….cause you should be. They have been shown to provide energy, boost strength and endurance, level out blood sugar and even induce weight loss. I call them my time-released energy pellets. I think they should run for president. I would vote for ‘em. In case you are interested and want more info: http://www.rawreform.com/content/view/345/127/
Do you need any more convincing? You throw all the ingredients in a food processor and call it a day. I have blended mine in my VitaMix before. But I am gonna be honest, don’t tell the VitaMix, but the food processor wins this round. The mixture will have tiny little chunks in it and the dates will hold it together (along with the hydrated chia seeds). I like to keep mine in the freezer and when I am ready to take them, they hold their form a little better. Honestly, they don’t freeze, they get cold, but you can eat them right out of the freezer. Without further adieu….
Cranberry Coconut Bar
- 13 dates (because that’s all I had left 🙂
- ½ cup hydrated chia seeds (look below for explanation)
- ¾ cup pecans
- ½ cup craisins
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 3 TBS. coconut oil
Place all the ingredients in a food processor and process until the mixture begins to form a ball. Cover a baking dish with either parchment paper or saran wrap and spread the mixture out in the dish. Place in the freezer for 2 hours. You can cut them into bars once they are “frozen” and then grab and go when needed. They are ready to eat immediately though if you want. 🙂
Thanks for joining me on another Foodie Friday! Food is a constant journey that takes you to new places… & I love being part of your journey.
~ Jamie
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