Dates are naturally sweet, and so make a great treat when you are avoiding “processed” sugars (like most of us should). Putting them in a bar with healthy nuts makes a perfect snack, when you’re on the go…or not. Good enough even for a light dessert after dinner.
Coffee really brings out the flavor of chocolate, so this chocolate-coffee version is really delicious! Try a piece with a hot cup of coffee or Teeccino….yumm!
- 1 ounce unsweetened baking chocolate (100% cacao)
- 2/3 cup raw almonds, walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts (soaked & dried)
- 8 ounces dried Medjool dates, pitted
- 2 Tablespoons raw cacao
or unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon Espresso Powder or Teeccino Herbal Coffee
Break up chocolate into manageable size pieces and add to the bowl of a food processor. Process until finely chopped.
Add almonds (or whatever nuts you are using) to food processor and chop into a medium-fine meal.
Add the dates and process a few short pulses, until slightly chopped.
Add the remaining ingredients and process until the mixture comes together and the pieces of nuts are quite small (it may form a ball on one side of food processor).
Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with plastic wrap, being sure it comes up the sides. Turn the date mixture out into the pan. Press down, to flatten and spread the mixture out into a smooth, even layer. (If the mixture is too sticky, try covering the mixture with the plastic wrap and press down.) Wrap the plastic wrap around the flattened mixture and refrigerate for several hours or overnight to set.
Once set, lift the mixture out of the pan and slice into desired number of bars.
Makes 6 to 12 bars (depending on size).
Speak Your Mind