Date Bars

MATERIALS

Makes an 8x8 pan

• Crust/Topping

  • 1.5 cups whole raw almonds

  • 1.5 cups old fashioned oats

  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt

  • 10 dates, pitted

  • 1/4 cup nondairy butter (or coconut oil)

• Filling

  • 25 dates, pitted

  • 1/2 cup water

PROCEDURE

1. Line 8 x 8 pan with parchment paper.

2. Add almonds, oats, and salt to food processor or blender and process until they are fine crumbs. Add dates and process again. Melt nondairy butter and add to mixture. Process until crumbs are moist.

3. Set aside 3/4 cup of mixture. Press remaining crumbs firmly into pan. Hint: The back of a spoon works well.

4. Add dates and water to food processor/blender and blend until a paste forms. Stop to scrape down sides as needed.

5. Spread filling over crust.  Sprinkle remaining topping over filling and lightly press down.

6. Refrigerate or freeze until ready to slice and serve.

THE RUNDOWN

The perfect combination of sweet and salty. One of the few desserts that doesn't have added sugar but tastes like it does. Pro tip - Bars freeze well and are especially tasty right out of the freezer. Midnight snack, anyone?

Adapted from: Oh She Glows

Granola

MATERIALS

• 1/3 cup almond butter (or other seed/nut butter)

• 1/3 cup maple syrup (or honey or date syrup)

• 1 tsp vanilla

• 2-3 tsp cinnamon

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 3 cups rolled oats

• 1 cup sliced almonds (or other nuts/seeds)

PROCEDURE

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees and line a baking sheet with a baking mat or parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, add the almond butter and maple syrup. (If you use honey or peanut butter, you may want to microwave for ~20 seconds to make it easier to mix). 

3. Add remaining ingredients and mix until everything is well coated.

4. Spread out into a thin layer on the baking sheet. Bake for ~30 minutes or until lightly browned. If you want clusters, don’t stir. If you don’t want as many clusters, stir halfway through and after pulling out of the oven.

5. Let cool completely. Break into clusters and store in an airtight container.

variation

Stir in raisins, other dried fruit, or chocolate chips after baking.

THE RUNDOWN

Granola is one of those things advertised as "healthy," but in reality the store-bought versions are generally loaded with sugar and/or fat. Not to mention they are typically pretty pricey. Lucky for us, granola is actually very easy to make at home and it will make your house smell amazing. Although this granola is not super sweet, it still shouldn't be eaten by the bowlful. Consider adding a few tablespoons to your morning oatmeal, smoothie, plant-based yogurt, or toast to add texture. You could also mix with a few slices of banana and peanut butter for an after dinner treat.

A Plantsanity Original