A happy compromise between an energy bar and a decadent dessert, these crispy, chewy, sweet squares are delightful and can be enjoyed however you prefer. Kid friendly, dietitian-approved, these treats are perfect for on-the-go. Recipe from The Vegiterranean Diet: The New and Improved Mediterranean Eating Plan — with Deliciously Satisfying Vegan Recipes for Optimal Health* by Julianna Hever © 2014 Da Capo Lifelong Book, reprinted by permission. Photos by Nicole Axeworthy.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dates
- 1 cup raisins
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- ¼ cup dairy-free dark chocolate chips grain-sweetened, if possible
- 1 cup puffed rice cereal
Instructions
- In a food processor, puree the dates and the raisins until smooth, 20 to 30 seconds. Add the walnuts and the sesame seeds, and process until combined, 10 to 20 seconds.
- Pulse in the chocolate chips and then the cereal. In between additions, use a spatula or a wooden spoon to break up the ball and to incorporate the other ingredients.
- Transfer the mixture to a silicon or glass 8 x 8-inch square dish, and press firmly and evenly into the dish. Cover and refrigerate until hardened, at least 1 hour.
- Cut into bars and serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up 4 to 5 days.
Vegan-ize any recipe!Grab our free vegan cheat sheet, packed with my favorite easy substitutions to make any recipe vegan.
- Visit Julieanna Hever at The Plant-Based Dietician.
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Sandy Halliday says
Looks and sounds tasty, but anything "puffed" usually has a high glycemic index. Perhaps the other ingredients will help mitigate that.
Nava says
Or maybe you can substitute crispy brown rice cereal?