These bars are amazingly good and are packed with goodness. If you are buying protein or snack bars from the health food shop, give these a try and you won’t go back to the store-bought ones. They are incredibly easy to put together, you literally throw all the ingredients into the food processor and once everything is combined, you refrigerate it for a good while before cutting into bars or squares. No baking involved. I managed 12 good size bars with this recipe. They make a great snack when you are out and about and is the perfect replenishment after a hard workout or bike ride. You could even have them as breakfast on the go.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups pitted Medjool dates (approx. 12)
1/2 cup raw cacao
1/2 cup whole chia seeds
1/3 cup dessicated coconut
pinch of Himalayan salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup walnut pieces
1/4 cup pepitas
1/3 cup hemp seeds
What to do:
1. Line a square container (20cm) with baking paper. Making sure that the paper is long enough to fold over again.
2.Place pitted dates into the food processor, pulse a few times then process into a thick paste. Add cacao, chia seeds, dessicated coconut, salt and vanilla essence then pulse and process until everything is incorporated. You may need to scrap down the sides a few times.
3. Remove blade then mix in the rest of the ingredients. The best way is to just ‘fork’ them through as the mixture is very dense.
4. Transfer mixture into the prepared container and press into the corners. Leveling the top as much as you are able to and make sure you pack the mixture in. You want it well compacted.
5. Fold the paper over and wrap the ‘block’ tightly. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
6. Cut into bars and wrap individually with baking paper.
7. Keep in the fridge in an air-tight container.
