Cherry Pie Fruit & Nut Bars {w/ recipes}

Keeping with the health theme this week (I'm partaking in the 7 day green smoothie challenge), today I'm sharing a new favorite recipe. 

I absolutely love the cherry pie LÄRABAR®. They are perfect to satisfy my sweet tooth and curb my hunger before a workout. One day I looked at the ingredients to see:

dates

cherries

almonds

That's it. How simple! The next day I picked up the ingredients at the grocery store and got busy with my food processor. 

Cherry Pie Fruit & Nut Bars

makes about 8 bars

1 cup high quality dried cherries (unsweetened)

1/2 cup pitted dates

1/2 cup raw almonds

{A note about the cherries... they can be expensive. But in comparison to the cost of a bar from the store (about $1.89 each) this way is incredible affordable!} 

Put dried cherries and dates in the food processor and pulse until a sticky paste forms...

Add almonds and mix until pieces are uniform in size....

Spread mix onto parchment paper and roll into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick....

Use the parchment paper to cover the mix when you roll so it doesn't stick...

Cut into bar sized pieces and enjoy!