Chances are if you eat a grain free diet { or aspire to } you have tried and love Larabars. They are a staple in our household. And as often as possible, I like to make them { or their bite size version } from scratch. One reason being, that for a family of six, the cost can add up. Not to mention they taste even better fresh! But, my number one reason is that I like to get creative and I LOVE that I can add essential oils to my recipes! Because there is no cooking/baking involved it is a perfect case scenario for adding essential oils. It isn’t that I don’t ever cook or bake with oils; I do to be sure! But when the oils are heated they lose some of their benefits. So, I try to use them when I’m preparing raw edibles as often as possible. Last of all, I often include my sons in kitchen tasks. They love it! I love it! And these are super easy and kid friendly to make. Yay!
* Before I get going, it is very important that I mention that I ONLY use Young Living Essential Oils. So, their oils are the only ones I recommend. I feel it is important to mention this because I have heard it estimated that about 98% of the essential oil out there are not safe for consumption. If you want more information on why Young Living oils ARE safe to consume this is a good place to start Introduction to Essential Oils
Apricot, Almond & Orange Larabar Bites
- 1½ cup of almonds { I like to lightly toast mine first }
- 1 cup of pitted dates { Medjool are best! }
- 1 cup of apricots
- a pinch of salt
- zest of one orange
- 2 T. of fresh orange juice
- 12 drops of Young Living Orange Essential Oil
* Young Living Orange { Citrus Sinensis } essential oil has a rich, fruity scent that lifts the spirit while providing a calming influence on the body. It is rich in the powerful antioxidant d-limonene and aids in maintaining normal cellular regeneration.
Instructions
- Gather a dozen or so truffle size cupcake liners. Or, if you are making the bars, line an 8- or 9-inch square baking dish with parchment paper or wax paper.
- In a food processor, pulse the almonds until they are chopped { be careful to stop before they turn into nut butter }. Pour them into a bowl.
- Process the pitted dates, dried apricots and remaining ingredients until the dried fruits are mashed into a paste. They may try to ball up in the processor, in which case you’ll want to stop and break up the mixture with a spoon before continuing.
- Break up the fruit mixture and add the nuts to the food processor. Process until the chopped nuts are incorporated evenly into the fruit mixture. Roll/form into balls and place in liners. Or, transfer the mixture to the baking dish, and use your hands to press it into an even layer.
- If you are making bars, chill the baking dish in the freezer for at least 30 minutes, then use a sharp knife to cut the fruit-and-nut blend into squares or bars. Wrap each bar tightly for individual servings. These bars should last for a couple weeks at room temperature, but store them in the refrigerator or freezer to keep them fresh longer.
Here are some other delicious variations. But believe me, the possibilities are endless!
Cinnamon Pecan Sticky Bun Larabar Bites
- 1 cup of pecans
- 1 cup of almonds { I like to lightly toast mine first }
- 2 cup of pitted dates { Medjool are best! }
- ½ tsp. of vanilla
- A pinch of salt
- 5-6 drops of Young Living Cinnamon Bark Essential Oil
* Young Living Therapeutic Grade™ Cinnamon Bark is meticulously tested to ensure that no dilution from similar-smelling oils has occurred. Cinnamon is thought to promote healthy cardiovascular and immune function, and acts as an antiseptic.
Mint Chocolate, Chocolate Chip Larabar Bites
- 1 cup of almonds { I like to slightly toast mine }
- 1 cup of cashews
- 2 cups of pitted dates { Medjool are best! }
- ¼ of a cup dark unsweetened cocao
- 1 T. of coconut oil
- 2 T. of water { more if needed }
- 3-4 drops of Young Living Peppermint Essential Oil
- a pinch of salt
- ¼-⅓ of a cup of mini chocolate chips or cocao nibs { I use Enjoy Life Chocolate Chips because they are dairy free }
* Peppermint { Mentha piperita } has a strong, clean, fresh, minty aroma. One of the oldest and most highly regarded herbs for soothing digestion, it may also restore digestive efficiency. Jean Valnet MD studied peppermint’s supportive effect on the liver and respiratory systems. Other scientists have also researched peppermint’s role in improving taste and smell when inhaled. Dr. William N. Dember of the University of Cincinnati studied peppermint’s ability to improve concentration and mental sharpness. Alan Hirsch MD studied peppermint’s ability to directly affect the brain’s satiety center, which triggers a sensation of fullness after meals.
Coconut Lime Larabar Bites
- 1 cup of almonds { I like to slightly toast mine }
- 1 cup of cashews
- 2 cups of pitted dates { Medjool are best! }
- 1½cup of unsweetened shredded coconut
- zest of 1-2 lime{s}
- juice of 1-2 lime{s}
- a pinch of salt
- 8 drops of Young Living Lime Essential Oil
* The pleasant citrus aroma of lime may help mental clarity and encourage creativity. Today, lime is best known throughout the world as a way to help support a healthy immune system. When taken internally, lime may provide antioxidant support and aid in weight management.
