homemade raw energy bars/balls-- gluten free + dairy free

energy foods - all the rave. whole foods practically has an entire aisle dedicated to expensive, sweet energy bars. i for one, have admitted addiction to larabars - i typically have one everyday. in an effort to save some $$$ i've decided to begin making my own and eating only those. by buying the ingredients in the bulk aisle i'm gaining complete control over ingredients and saving myself a decent chunk of change.

homemade raw energy balls (or bars)

• 1/2 c organic deglet noor or medjool dates (pitted)
• 3/4 c organic walnuts
• 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• pinch of kosher salt
• 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes

place dates, walnuts, cocoa powder, vanilla extract and salt into a food processor and pulse until well combined. create bars by smoothing mixture into the bottom of a glass pyrex baking dish or create 'energy balls' by grabbing a hunk of the mixture and rolling around your hand until you have the desired size you want - roll in coconut flakes. if mixture is too dry/crumbly try adding a tad of either agave nectar or honey. 

for more inspiration stop by each of these great blogs -
allergy friendly wednesday's - tessa the domestic diva

simple home life

paisley passions

little brick ranch

lisas gluten free

stuff and nonsense

at the picket fence