Summer time. Finally.
For two years now the weather gods have decided to overlook our little island and instead bless their good fortune on other locations. We’ve had exactly six hot days and by hot I mean over 20°C. Which isn’t saying much.
That said, I’m not one for super hot weather either. I feel like I can’t move, can’t get my normal activities out of the way. The heat stifles me, I can’t breathe, sleep or eat properly. I hate it. I like a nice mild heat, maybe it’s my ginger-ness. Us gingies have to stay away from the hot sun you know, or face the equivalent of a cute little Mogwai being fed after midnight (if you get that reference you are of appropriate age to read this blog).
But my kids looooove the sun. They strip off every last piece of clothing and spend as much time bathing in it as possible. I apply 2mm thick swaths of 350 SPF sunblock on them and release them into the wilds of our gigantic backyard. As long as the kiddie pool is full of fresh water, the dogs are roaming freely and the sun is shining…these kids live outside. The boy thinks it’s his personal bathroom too, but that’s a whole ‘nother beast right there.
This summer has brought many new revelations, challenges and accomplishments. Last weekend, Adrian and I participated in our first obstacle race, the Warrior Dash. I got to meet up with a fellow FitFluential Ambassador, Scott Thomson, who I had the pleasure of running with. His fiancee was also a sport and the four of us stuck together as we ran our way around Mt. Seymour on the North Shore of Vancouver. Here’s proof:
We nailed it. We got muddy and bruised, but we got our medals and life was good. My only regret was not getting the turkey leg at the after-race BBQ. I wanted that turkey leg so much, you don’t even know. Luckily we were staying with a good friend in Vancouver who so graciously took us to the Richmond Night Market, where I consumed astronomical levels of meat. Thanks Rebecca!
We powered ourselves through this ridiculous maze of crazy steep uphill running with these amazing bars. I made these bars because I choke on my own cheapo rage every time I get to the till carrying one of the “real” ones. Buy the very best ingredients for these you can afford and make the effort to create the other ingredients from scratch. You’ll truly taste the difference because these homemade versions are filled with the goodness of raw. You control the flavours and they come out perfect every time. They are great for hikes, before a serious WOD or even just to get you over that mid day hump. These babies are designed for the Paleo lifestyle, so they are relatively high in fat (20 grams per bar)…so snack on fellow cavemen, snack on.
One year ago: Creamy Peanut Butter Pie (For Mikey)
Two years ago: Hanger Steak Sandwich
Three years ago: Mojito Inspired Sangria
Better Than Lara Bars
Ingredients
Method
- Place the dates and figs in a food processor and blend until a paste is formed (about two minutes).
- Remove the paste from the food processor and place into a large mixing bowl. Add the remaining ingredients and stir with a fork. You will be essentially mashing it all together.
- Add the water if you think the dough seems too thick.
- Place the dough in an 8 x 8 pan And press it down to a level thickness (try using a flat kitchen implement to help with this, or the back of a spoon or just your hands).
- Cover and place in refrigerator. Cool for 2-4 hours. Cut into 10-12 bars. Wrap and enjoy!
- These keep for about a week in the fridge, but good luck keeping them around that long.
Notes
Similarly delicious recipes from other fabulous food blogs:
Nutty Fruit Bars from Anja’s Food 4 Thought
Goji Power Bars from Elana’s Pantry
Raw Vegan Nanaimo Bars from Healthful Pursuit
Apple Pie Caveman Bars from Civilized Caveman
We owned that Dash! Great job yourself Elizabeth! Soooo. What’s next!?!
For about 3 weeks, we’ve been eating Paleo – and it’s been so fun to play and tweak things I’ve been making forever.
Michael is going camping this weekend so I’m thinking I might surprise him with these for his trail bag. Thanks, Elizabeth. You and the hubs are inspirational.
That’s awesome Adryon! About the same time as we’ve been doing it. Isn’t it amazing the results from such small changes.
Yay – I’ve becoming a bit burnt out on protein bars lately (I feel you on the rage towards the prices of those babies! I search flyers liked a crazed person for sales and buy as many as I can.. But I digress!) so I’m making these as we speak for a yummy fruit based alternative for mid day snacks. Between your trail mix, protein balls, these Lara bars, and the edamame dip w/veggies, I think I’m about covered for daytime snacks
Ha! That’s awesome Nadia! Well, since you live off my snackables, any requests?
Well if you’re asking… I don’t know if you have snack ideas for these, but some recipe ideas/info/opinions for coconut flour and more uses for quinoa and chia seeds, my current obsessions!
YAY!!!!! So excited for this recipe. Thank you 🙂
These look absolutely amazing! I love Lara Bars and can’t wait to try this! Pinning it now so I don’t forget where I found it. Thanks so much.
I have to make these bars, I find that in stores they are too expensive. When I was living on the Island we always had cool summer. I’m in Ottawa now and it is so hot and humid. I miss the Island a lot 🙂
I love Lara Bars and can’t wait to try this! Pinning it now so I don’t forget where I found it. Thanks so much. Thanks for sharing your recipe..
Pingback: the homemade lara bar « De La Casa
Pingback: Monday Training | Dansville Fitness Club
Pingback: Recreating the Lara Bar | bedrockeats.com
Pingback: Apple Pie Pancakes - Guilty Kitchen