I ate one already…

I saw a recipe on The Kitchn’s site for energy bars and was intrigued.  You never know what they might be putting in those energy bars on the shelves at the store.  I’m not saying I wouldn’t eat an energy bar instead of my own arm if I was starving and stuck in a snowstorm, but it’s nice to know there’s a homemade alternative that doesn’t include any unpronounceable ingredients.  This recipe is four ingredients of awesome; walnuts, dates, dark chocolate and salt.  It took me about 20 minutes to assemble and then another hour in the fridge to chill and harden the top layer of melted chocolate.  Super tasty, no added sugar (well other than the chocolate), and super portable.

we like 55% dark because it’s not too bitter

Firstly, make sure you pit your dates!  Sixteen Medjool dates roughly equalled a cup and a half of dates.  Place pitted dates, walnuts and salt into a food processor.

Pulse for 5 or 6 pulses, then make sure the dates are not clumped up together.  After unclumping, continuously process for a minute and a half, and simply let the food processor do it’s job.  Once it’s finished it will resemble small grains.  (Honestly, it reminded me of chicken feed, but then I was like; when have I fed chickens ever in my whole life?  Weird.)  Add in half a cup of the chopped chocolate to the processor.  Please buy good dark chocolate.  It will make a huge difference.  My favorite brand is Chocolove xoxox.  If you like chunks of chocolate, then only pulse the mix 4 or 5 times.  If you want a smoother energy bar, then let it process continuously for another minute or longer.

add the chocolate, yo

Lay some parchment into an 8″x8″ pan and press the date, walnut, chocolate mixture into the parchment-lined pan.  Use the palm of your hand to get it as flat as possible, pressing into the corners of the pan.

do your best with pressing!

Next start to slowly melt your chocolate.  You can do it in a double boiler over the stovetop, but WHY BOTHER?  Place it in the micro on high for 15 seconds at a time, stirring in between zaps until you have a smooth melted chocolate.  Using a spatula, spread the chocolate evenly over the energy bar mixture.

yum

Place your energy bars in the fridge for, at the very least, an hour.  For best results, allow to chill overnight.  I can’t wait to try this with figs and dried cherries.  Cut into 16 equal squares and eat when you need a boost!  They are chewy, chocolatey, dense, and sweet.  A perfect little afternoon pick-me-up!

Date & Walnut Energy Bars (Adapted from The Kitchn)
Prep time: 20 minutes
Chill time: 1 hour to overnight

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