Gingersnap Date Bar (Lärabar Wannabe)

I'm a big fan of Lärabars, esp. the "Ginger Snap". I think this copy-cat experiment has been a success! I went for taste vs. texture for the sake of my gummy one-year old (who is also a big fan of Lärabars!), so almond paste was substituted for minced almonds/pecans. Enjoy!

• Ready In: 15 mins
• Serves: 8
• Yields: 8 bars

Ingredients

• 1  lb pitted dates
• 1⁄2 lb almond paste
• 1 1⁄4 teaspoons ginger powder
• 1⁄2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground cloves, heaped

Directions

1. Using a food mill, grind the dates.
2. In a heavy-duty mixer, combine the ground dates with the remaining ingredients (I used my Bosch and its "cookie dough" hooks).
3. On a cutting board or other clean, flat surface, flatten the mixture to about 1 cm using your hand or a rolling pin.
4. Cut into bars or roll into balls and enjoy!