Chocolate Mint "Larabar" Recipe

I'm trying to get some healthy foods prepared for our vacation and homemade "Larabars" are at the top of my list. I thought since some of you have been following my journey toward better health, I'd share the preparation experience with you. There's no baking or cooking involved...it's that easy, and being mostly raw, they're that good for you too.

Start with a packed cup of pitted dates. I have always used Medjool dates in the past, but due to the cost, I recently purchased Deglet Noor dates that were not only cheaper, but already pitted too. They taste exactly the same as the Medjool ones.

Medjool on the left, Deglet Noor on the right.

Then, in a food processor (or blender), grind 1 cup of raw almonds until they are in small pieces. There is no magic size...it is completely based on your preference. Empty the nuts into a bowl and take about 1/4 cup to dust your pan. I use an 11 X 7 inch Pyrex, but for thicker bars, we have used a glass bread loaf pan.

Next I took a small handful of chocolate mint, right off my back patio, rinsed and removed the leaves from the stem and chopped the leaves into small pieces in the food processor. It's okay to leave some of the almond crumbs in the processor because they actually help keep the next step with the dates from sticking.

Leaving the mint in the food processor, add the dates to it and grind/chop them a few pulses. Add about 1/2 Tablespoon of raw cacao powder and continuing pulsing the mixture until it begins to form a ball.

Place the date mixture in the bowl with the almonds and with your hands...get messy...and mush it all together until the nuts are evenly distributed throughout the dates. Now, press the mixture into the prepared pan. You can attempt to get it evenly spread, but for me the unevenness is fine.

Refrigerate for about an hour or until set up fairly well. They will not get hard. Cut and serve or place in covered container and keep in the refrigerator. These usually don't last long, but we have had them in the fridge for over a week and they are fine.

This was the first time I've tried this flavor combination and they are delicious! This recipe is easily modified with different nuts [Abbey's favorite of cashews, vanilla and a pinch of salt] or flavors [lime or lemon juice instead of mint and cacao] and items such as dried fruit [dried cranberries and raw cacao make a great black forest cake flavor] or coconut [Key lime, my favorite!] can be added if desired.

Enjoy this whole foods, raw treat without regret. Here are some of the health benefits:

• Dates contain protein and fiber and trace elements of boron, cobalt, copper, magnesium, manganese, selenium and zinc.
• Raw cacao is a superfood that contains theobromine which can help treat depression. It is very high in antioxidant flavanoids, sulfur and magnesium. It also has the highest amount of iron found in any food source...16% of your RDA for iron in only 1 ounce
• Raw almonds are high in monounsaturated fats (a good fat), rich in antioxidants, can help stabilize blood sugar, high in Vitamin E and a good source of Vitamin B2, and may even help with weight loss.
• The Mint herb leaves are great for gastrointestinal disorders, helps the liver and calms indigestion. It contains menthol, Vitamin C and antibiotic substances. It can treat diarrhea, gastric fever and toxic infections. It is recommend for asthma, bronchitis and flu because of its antispasmodic and sedative properties.