Cocoa Bars

Wow, these really do pack a chocolate punch.  I'm always on the lookout for healthy, sweet snack recipes and came across this one in a new cookbook.  Dates have all sorts of health benefits and mixed with nuts you can't go wrong.  I've included a link for information on Dates.

Cocoa Bars

Author:  Complete Guide to Vegan Food Substitutions Cookbook by Celine Steen and Joni Marie Newman  (Book cover under my cookbooks page at top of blog)

http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/fruit/health-benefits-of-dates.html

1/2           cup pecan halves

18            dates (not Medjool), pitted and coarsely chopped

1/2           cup plus 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

                pinch of fine seal salt

3              tablespoons agave nectar to taste

Grind pecans in food processor until finely ground.  Add dates, cocoa, and salt.  Process until dates are ground; it might take a few minutes.  Add agave and pulse until a paste forms.  Sample a little to see if needs more agave. Press mixture into a 8 x 4 inch loaf pan lined with parchment paper.  Freeze for 1 hour.  Slice into desired serving pieces.  Store in fridge or freezer

4-6 bars