Oat and Date Energy Bars with Chocolate and Almond Topping

Oat and Date Energy Bars with Chocolate and Almond Topping

Ingredients:

• • 150g oat flakes (about 1 1/2 cups)

• • 200g dates, pitted (about 1 cup)
  • 30g raisins (about 2 tablespoons)
  • 20g honey (about 1 tablespoon)

• • 50g almonds, chopped (about 1/4 cup)
  • 30g sesame seeds (about 2 tablespoons)
  • 100g dark chocolate (about 3.5 oz)

• Almonds for garnish
• Boiling water (for soaking the dates)

Directions:

1. Prepare the Oats and Dates:

• • Grind 150g of oat flakes into a fine texture using a blender or food processor.

• • Remove the pits from 200g of dates.
  • Place the dates in a bowl and pour boiling water over them. Let them soak for 10 minutes to soften.
  • Drain the dates using a colander and add them to the ground oats.

2. Blend the Oat-Date Mixture:

• In the blender or food processor, combine the soaked dates with the ground oats and blend until smooth.

3. Prepare the Add-Ins:

• • Pour the oat and date mixture into a bowl.
  • Add 30g of raisins, 20g of honey, and 50g of chopped almonds to the mixture.

• Stir in 30g of sesame seeds and mix well to combine all ingredients.

4. Shape the Bars:

• • Take half of the mixture and press it into a rectangular mold or pan, compacting it evenly.
  • With the remaining mixture, fill a silicone mold with a 6 cm diameter (or any small mold you prefer), and press it down firmly.

5. Melt the Chocolate:

• Chop 100g of dark chocolate into small pieces.
• Melt the chocolate in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until fully melted.

6. Add the Chocolate Layer:

• • Pour the melted chocolate over the bars in the rectangular mold and the smaller round shapes, spreading it evenly across the top.

• Garnish the chocolate layer with whole or chopped almonds for extra crunch.

7. Chill the Bars:

• Place the bars in the refrigerator for about 30-40 minutes, or until they are fully set.

8. Serve:

• • Once chilled and firm, remove the bars from the mold, slice them into desired portions, and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions:

• • Enjoy as a quick snack or energy boost before or after workouts.
  • Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for a satisfying afternoon treat.
  • Serve as a healthy dessert option.

• Pack them in lunchboxes for a wholesome snack on the go.
• Sprinkle with coconut flakes for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips:

• • Soften Dates Well: Make sure to soak the dates properly in boiling water to ensure they blend easily with the oats.

• • Compact the Mixture: Press the mixture firmly into the molds to ensure the bars hold their shape.
  • Customize the Nuts: You can swap almonds for other nuts like walnuts, pecans, or cashews.
  • Add Flavor: For extra flavor, consider adding a dash of cinnamon or vanilla extract to the mixture.

Nutritional Benefits:

• • Dates: Rich in fiber and natural sugars, dates provide a quick source of energy and are packed with essential minerals like potassium.
  • Oats: High in fiber and nutrients, oats are great for digestive health and provide a steady energy release.
  • Almonds: Full of healthy fats, protein, and vitamin E, almonds add crunch and nutritional value.

• Dark Chocolate: A good source of antioxidants and a satisfying way to add indulgence.