====== Date Bars ======
Slight modifications to these [[https://www.edibleperspective.com/home/2015/4/16/15/oat-nut-chewy-granola-bars|Oat + Nut Chewy Granola Bars]]. They can turn out a little crumbly, probably more date helps. Expect to get your hands sticky squishing it all together.

===== Ingredients =====
  * 1 3/4 c rolled oats
  * 1 c well-chopped raw nuts (a mixture works well - almonds/walnuts/pecans)
  * 12-15 medjool dates, pitted
  * 3 T softened unrefined coconut oil
  * 1 T nut butter
  * 1 t vanilla
  * 1/2 c finely shredded unsweetened coconut
  * 1/3 c finely chopped dark chocolate
  * 1/4 c seeds (calls for hemp, usually do chia)
  * 1 t cinnamon
  * 1/2 t fine salt

===== Directions =====
  - Oven to 300F. Pulse oats in food processor to partially chop, leaving some whole. Toast for ~15mins until light golden and fragrant.
  - Pulse nuts to finely chop. Toast 10-15mins.
  - Oven to 350F and line a 9x9 pan with parchment.
  - Process dates to a thick paste. Expect >1/2 c paste. You can do extra and set some aside to add in if the mixture is too crumbly.
  - In a bowl, mash together dates, coconut oil, nut butter, and vanilla. Then add dry ingredients. Should be crumbly but hold together when squeezed.
  - Press into prepared pan, compacting as much as possible. Bake for 8mins then cool, chill, and chop into bars.


originally submitted by jes_p on Aug 09, 2021
{{tag>jes_p}}