Homemade Apple Pie Larabars

One of the biggest challenges when we made the switch to Paleo was snacky type stuff for our kids. If you have kids, you know what I'm taking about. Kids like snacks. And they seems to like them even more if they come in a bar form wrapped in some kind of colorful wrapper. They're portable and they're tasty.

If you're looking for a bar that fits the above bill and is also Paleo, you're left with very few options. But, while there may only be one company (that I know of) that makes Paleo approved snack bars, thankfully they make a bunch of different flavors (not all of which are Paleo -- make sure you check the ingredients). Lara bars are made with dried fruit, nuts, and a spice or two. That's it. Pretty awesome, huh? Our littlest dude isn't really old enough to have preferences, but our 5 year old definitely has his favorite:
The Apple Pie Lara Bar. I'm pretty sure he would eat these bad boys all day long if we let him. And who would blame him? They are good. However, they cost at least $1.25* a bar.

So, after consulting a few different recipes online, we came up with one we are really happy with. We roll them into little balls, but they could be made into bars or squares or whatever shape your little heart desires. We also roll them in unsweetened coconut but that's just a preference of ours. When I give them to our almost 18 month old, I usually form them into more of a cookie shape because, otherwise, he tries to shove the entire thing in his mouth at once. We often joke that he has a future as a competitive eater.

Apple Pie Larabars

2 cups nuts (this time around, we used walnuts, cashews and almonds)
20 dates, pits removed
1/3 cup raisins
1 1/2 Tbsp cinnamon
1/4 cup applesauce (pureed apples would probably work in a pinch as well)
unsweetened coconut

In a food processor, chop nuts and cinnamon until crumbly. I usually aim for pea size pieces, which means that there will be some smaller than that and some larger. Pour into a medium size mixing bowl. Add dates, raisins, and applesauce into food processor and process until pureed. It will be fairly thick. If it isn't moving around the food processor, you can add a little more applesauce to get it moving, but you want it to remain thick. Add the date/raisin mixture with the nuts and combine well. Honestly, it easiest to do with your hands. Once it's combined, form into whatever shape you desire. I roll them into little ping pong sized balls and then roll them in coconut. Makes about 25-30, depending on size.

*I'm aware that they sell them at Costco, but the package includes the Peanut Butter flavor, which isn't Paleo, so it kind of cancels out the 80 cents that they cost.