Granola Bars

Miss 16 made these Granola bars last week. They are amazing. I think it's the peanut butter which makes them special. They are easy and only have 5 ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup packed dates, pitted 
• 1/4 cup honey (or maple syrup)
• 1/4 cup creamy salted natural peanut butter or almond butter
• 1 cup roasted unsalted almonds, loosely chopped
• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats

Method:

1. Process dates in a food processor until small bits remain. Or alternatively cut them really fine. It should form a “dough” like consistency
2. Optional step: Toast your oats in a 185 celsius degree oven for 15ish minutes or until slightly golden brown. Otherwise, leave them raw
3. Place oats, almonds and dates in a bowl – set aside
4. Warm honey and peanut butter in the microwave for 45-60 seconds - watch it doesn't get too runny - and stir it half way
5. Stir and pour over oat mixture and then mix, breaking up the dates to disperse throughout
6. Once thoroughly mixed, transfer into a square cake pan lined with baking paper so they lift out easily
7. Press down until uniformly flattened and let set in fridge or freezer for 15-20 minutes to harden.
8. Remove bars from pan and chop into 10 even bars. Store in an airtight container for up to a few days. D-E-L-icious  XD

Chocolate, Almond & Date Balls

My daughter made these as a healthy treat alternative on the weekend and they are AMAZE BALLS! One is not enough so make sure you make enough to feed an army. This recipe makes about 20 balls.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups whole raw almonds
• 3 cups pitted dates
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 3/4 cup rolled oats
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• § pinch grown cinnamon
• 1/2 cup hot water
• 200g shredded coconut

Method:

1. Grind almonds in a food processor until finely chopped (not too small)
2. Add dates, honey, cocoa, oats, peanut butter and cinnamon then pulse until combined
3. Add the hot water and pulse again. Your mixture should develop into a thick, sticky paste
4. Use your hands to roll the mixture into approximately 20 balls
5. Lightly coat the balls in coconut
6. Chill in the fridge for about 30mins before eating.
7. Tip: To keep fresh, store in a container in the fridge for up to two weeks - but they won't last that long! D-E-L-icious XD