{recipe} No-Bake Date Nut Snack Bars

Are you prone to snack attacks? Heaven forbid I’m not carrying a bag of nuts or crackers with me at all times – because I get seriously hangry and it’s not pretty. In an attempt to make things a little more interesting and a little more healthy, I have been experimenting with some snack bars. These are the simplest and the best – with just dates, nuts, coconut, and a sprinkling of flaky sea salt.

These are great for an airplane ride, hike, or post-gym snack – or just to carry in your purse in case of emergency. You just pulse everything together in the food processor, press it into a pan, refrigerate and cut. And then: snack!

Oh, and this recipe is also Paleo and Whole30 compliant – in case you’re into that kind of thing! Is it snack time yet?

RECIPE: No-Bake Date Nut Snack Bars
makes 6 bars

INGREDIENTS:

• 15 fresh Medjool dates, pitted
• 1 1/2 cups unsalted pecans (can use other nuts if desired)
• 1/2 cup flaked unsweetened coconut
• flaky sea salt

METHOD:

• Put pitted dates in a bowl. Cover with warm water and wait 5-10 minutes. Drain water.
• Meanwhile, prepare a loaf pan with parchment paper, cooking spray, or a light brushing of coconut oil.
• Put drained dates, pecans and coconut in a food processor. Pulse until nuts are in very small pieces.
• Press very firmly into the prepared pan. It’s important to press down as hard and thoroughly as possible so the bars stick together.
• Refrigerate or freeze for 1-2 hours before cutting. Cut into 6 bars. Wrap individually in plastic wrap or parchment. Store in the fridge until ready to take with you.