DATE & NUT BARS (V) (VN)*

DATE & NUT BARS (V) (VN)*

Servings: 2

Nutritional values per bar (14 bars approx. 53g each):

calories 198, protein 7.6g, fat 13.1g (saturated 3.3g), carbs 13.8g (sugar 9.9g), sodium 0.7g

METHOD

• Lightly toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan on medium heat. Remove the seeds from the pan and set aside to cool completely.
• Add the cashews and peanuts to a food processor and pulse until roughly chopped. Remove the nuts from the processor. You can leave some of the peanuts whole for extra crunch.
• Add the dates, almonds, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, cinnamon and salt to the food processor and pulse the ingredients until you have a roughly textured mixture. Add a little water if the mixture is too stiff.
• Add the coconut and the chopped cashews and peanuts to the food processor and pulse just enough to combine the ingredients. Pulse it a few more times if you prefer a smoother bar.
• Line a baking tray with baking paper so that it overhangs the lip. Tip the mixture onto the baking tray and evenly spread using a spatula. Press the mixture down firmly. The firmer you press down the mixture the firmer the bar will be and hold together.
• Mix the cooled sesame seeds with the chia seeds and evenly sprinkle over the mixture. Press the seeds into the mixture.
• Cover the baking tray with cling film and refrigerate overnight to firm up.
• When well chilled and firm slice the mixture into the desired number of bars.
• Cover the tray with cling film and store in the fridge. Alternatively wrap each bar in cling film and refrigerate.
• The bars will last for a few weeks in the fridge.