While I don’t do ‘cheat meals’, I also don’t believe in denying myself.  If I am craving something I will come up with a way to make it using wholesome, natural foods.  Apparently my daughter and I were on the same page last week because she asked if we could make some Homemade Candy Bars.  I checked the panty to make sure I had all the ingredients and realized we didn’t have any brown rice puffs.  I made a few adjustments to the recipe and came up with a super quick and easy treat that hit the spot.  Being healthy tastes sooo good!

~Sarah

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Medjool dates (about 18 dates)
• 1/2 cup unsalted raw peanuts
• 1/2 cup no salt added peanut butter (creamy or chunky - both work)
• 1/3 cup + 2-3 tbsp chocolate chips of your choice (I used Sunspire Grain Sweetened Chocolate Chips)

Preparation:

1. Line an 8 x 8 glass dish with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In a food processor or powerful blender add the dates, peanuts, peanut butter and 1/3 cup chocolate chips.
3. Process the mixture for 2-3 minutes.  You should have a slightly grainy but sticky mixture.
4. Add in the remaining 2-3 tbsp chocolate chips and pulse a few times to incorporate the chips.  If you want a smooth candy bar skip this step.
5. Transfer the mixture to your prepared glass dish and using a spatula gently press down on the mixture to form an even layer.
6. Place in the fridge for 30 minutes.  Remove and cut into 1 1/2 by 4 inch sized candy bars.
7. Wrap each candy bar in plastic wrap and store in the fridge until ready to eat.

Nutritional Info:

Makes 10 candy bars.

Serving size 1 candy bar.

Nutrients per serving:  Calories: 352, Cal. from Fat: 161.5, Total Fat: 18g, Sat. Fat: 3g, Carbs: 43.5g, Fiber: 6.5g, Sugars: 30.5g, Protein: 9g, Sodium: 1mg, Chol: 0mg

Notes:

Leftover candy bars will keep in the fridge for up to 1 month.  You can also freeze them for longer term storage.

For a gluten free candy bar make sure to use gluten free chocolate chips.

I actually like to cut these bars up into smaller pieces that I can pop into my mouth after a meal.  I cut each bar up into 6 equal pieces and end up with 60 popable treats.