The Best Vegan/Healthy Recipes- Part 1

I don't eat meat or dairy for lots of reasons: a major one, being health. Whatever you feed your family is none of my business, but I will tell you that the recipes I'm going to be sharing with you the next couple of weeks are the bomb.com (please don't go to that website, it's just an expression) because they're so healthy and very tasty! I promise you, you'll feel like you're cheating, but you're not!

The first recipe in this series is by far my favorite, and I have emailed it to so many people the past couple of months (including Stella's daycare teacher after seeing them in her lunch). Either myself or my mother make these at least once a week. It is raw, healthy and delicious! If you love chocolate and mint flavored anything, then keep reading.

We call them "Bara Bars." This is Stella's way of saying, Lara Bars. Lara Bars can be found at most grocery stores and they're awesome. They only consist of a few ingredients (mostly dates) and come in a lot of different flavors. They're also usually at least $1- 1.50, so being the resourceful Mama I am, I wanted to make my own (I mean, there's like 3 ingredients listed on the wrapper- how hard could it be?).

Dates are wonderful. They are rich in fiber, potassium, iron, calcium and more. They're ply-able and a fabulous substitute in traditional sweet treats.

I also recommend a food processor of some sort. There are so many easy and nutritious recipes that simply consist of mixing a bunch of ingredients together in a food processor. I'm a big fan and I think they're worth the investment.

OK, now I'll shut up and give you the recipe. This is my Chocolate Mint version, and the one we make most often, but message/comment me if you'd like other flavors (it only takes a few tweaks to change the flavor completely).

Me, eating my "Bara Bars"

Chocolate Mint Bara Bars

• 2 1/2 cups of (pitted) dates: The very best deal is to go to Costco/Sams. They sell 2lbs for around $8 depending on if you buy them with or without pits. Also, Trader Joes sells 1lb for about $4.50. Absolutely do not buy them at the grocery store by the pound....

• almonds (or cashews). The amount varies depending on how many pounds of dates but it's about 3/4 of a cup. You want them to dry the stickiness of the dates a little, but not too much or else they'll fall apart. Add slowly and use your judgement

• 1 tbsp of vanilla

• 5 tbs of Cacao powder. This is worth buying if you don't already have some. Although it can be quite expensive (and it's better to buy online in bulk), it's definitely versatile and a major super food! You can sub with cocoa powder if need be

• a drop or two of mint oil. This can be purchased at any grocery store. Only a drop or two, a little goes a long way!

Put all the ingredients into a food processor. You will probably have to cut the dates into thirds so they don't just stick to the sides of the food processor.
It should mix into a big ball. Put in a flat 9x12 (size doesn't matter so much) pan and press out into flat sheet.
Refrigerate and enjoy- it's that easy :)
 

The end result= delicious!

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What are your favorite recipes?? Tell us in the comments below!