May 26, 2010

Humpastry Day - Choco Chia Cherry Bars

Choco Chia Cherry Bars
I know I posted an energy bar recipe for my last Humpastry Day post, but I saw this recipe in a post on runnersworld.com and really wanted to try them out.  I have to say that I really like these!  The combo of chocolate, dates, cherries, and lemon zest is really yummy!  I made these this morning and ate one about 35 min. before my trainer ride because I was kind of dragging.  I don't know if it was a placebo effect, but I actually felt like I got a burst of energy from this little bar.  I don't think they would work too well on a ride because they're pretty sticky, so I plan on keeping them on hand in my fridge and using them pre-workout.   .

Ingredients:
Makes 12 bars
*  3C pitted dates (the original recipe calls for 4 1/2C dates, but I thought this was a huge amount)
*  4Tbl. Agave syrup
*  1/4C cocoa powder
*  1/4C Chia seeds
*  1/2tsp. salt
*  1/2C dried cherries
*  1/2C chopped almonds
*  1/2C granola
*  Zest of 1 lemon

Directions:
1.  Process ingredients in a food processor, 1/2 mixture at a time, until it clumps together.
2.  Line an 8x8 pan (the original recipe called for a 10x8, but I didn't have one) with waxed paper.
3.  Press the mixture into the pan.  **Note:  The mixture is really sticky.  I actually used a latex glove to spread the mixture in the pan.
Gross looking, but oh so good! :)
4.  Put the pan in the freezer for 15 min.
5.  Cut into 12 bars
6.  Wrap in plastic wrap or put in snack sized ziploc bags and store in the refrigerator.  
7.  Enjoy! 

9 comments:

Chef Amber Shea said...

I saw that recipe on Runner's World too! :] Sounds super-sweet, but tasty.

Jon said...

Now that I have discovered Larbars and everyone is telling me how simple they are to make, this just confirms to do just that: DIY!

AM! said...

Hi!
These bars look awesome! I wanna try them out. gotta get some latex gloves;-)

and your training/bike ride w/hubby sounds like my life too. love it!

Julie said...

Thanks for another great recipe Aimee! I saw this in the magazine too:) Funny thing....I thought of you:)

DRog said...

How do you find the time! Every time I see you cooking, making recipe's I feel like I should be doing it with my girls! nice work they look great! (as usual)
-D

Big Daddy Diesel said...

You think they will taste good without the cocoa? I am not a chocolate fan.

jessithompson said...

Please please please buy the house next to mine and let me taste test your recipes! Haha. Seriously though, you're inspiring me to do a cooking post.

Aimee said...

BDD: I actually think they would taste good without the cocoa. They would kind of be like the homemade lara bars with chia seeds in them...yum! Let me know how they turn out if you try them w/out the cocoa.

Jessi: Ha ha..too funny! I'm glad I inspired you to do a post, and I can't wait to read it! :)

AD said...

I made these before the Ragnar race I did recently, and they were a big hit with my team. To keep them less sticky, I dusted them with corn starch, which helped a lot!