Knock-off Lara Bars 2.0

I love experimenting with recipes and finding ways to make nutrient-dense foods easy to prepare and delicious.

My boys really love these bars, and I thought I would try boosting the protein content with Sun Warrior sprouted brown rice protein powder. One scoop has 16 grams of protein (easily absorbed I might add – compared to whey based protein, this raw, rice-based protein is much easier to assimilate). Depending on how many bars you make, you can easily increase the protein content by an additional 1 or 2 grams per serving. When you consider the protein that is in the hemp hearts, cashews and goji berries, there’s a respectable amount of protein per bar.

I think it’s also important to note that these bars are also a good source of magnesium, anti-oxidants, calcium, iron, omega-3 fatty acids, fibre, vitamins….phew!

Nice too, that these bars are sweet without added sugars, high-fructose corn syrup and the like.

They literally take minutes to make and can be stored in the fridge.

Knock-off Lara Bars 2.0

1 1/4 cups raw cashews
1/4 cup hemp hearts
1/2 teaspoon mountain or sea salt

1 1/4 cups packed dates (I used Parnoosh, you could also use Medjool)
1 scoop Sun Warrior protein powder – vanilla
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup goji berries
1/4 cup sweetened cacao nibs

Using a food processor, pulse the cashews and salt until pebbly in texture. Add the protein powder and pulse again to incorporate. Add dates, processing to mix well. Add vanilla. Continue to blend. Mixture should hold together when pinched. If too dry, add water 1 teaspoon at a time until hold together. Incorporate goji berries and nibs. Press into parchment-lined baking dish. Chill in fridge. Cut into bars. Store in air-tight container.