Paleo/primal Power Bars

I've wanted to try my hand at making my own Larabar type power bars for a while, but the food processor intimidates me. Really. It does. But today I got over my fear, dragged the behemoth out from under the counter, tried not to think about the fact that cleaning it would take up a whole dishwasher load and took it for a spin. I made 2 batches of the bars with varying add-ins, and I have to say they turned out quite well. I made one batch with a base of almonds and walnuts that had dark chocolate chips mixed in and made the second batch of almonds with cranberries. Give it a try!

Dark Chocolate coconut power bars
2 C raw almonds
1 C walnuts
1 C dried plums
1/2 C unsweetened coconut
1 T vanilla
2 t cinnamon
1/2 C dark chocolate chips
2 T maple syrup or honey (optional)

Pulse almonds and walnuts in food processor until they are a mealy consistency. Add in dried plums, coconut, vanilla, cinnamon and syrup. Pulse until mixture comes together into a lump. Pour lump into a mixing bowl then mash in the chocolate chips. Press into a 8x8 pan and refrigerate for at least an hour until they are more firm. Cut into bars and enjoy!

Cranberry vanilla power bars
1 C raw almonds
1 C flax seed meal
1/2 C dried plums
1/2 C unsweetened coconut
1 T vanilla
2 t cinnamon
1/2 C dried cranberries
1 T maple syrup or honey(optional)

Pulse almonds and flax seed meal in food processor until they are a mealy consistency. Add in dried plums, coconut, vanilla, cinnamon and syrup. Pulse until mixture comes together into a lump. Pour lump into a mixing bowl then mash in the cranberries. Press into a 8x8 pan and refrigerate for at least an hour until they are more firm. Cut into bars and enjoy!