JR Date Bar and More

Today I modified my JR DATE BAR RECIPE and added Zego Cranberry Seed + Fruit Blend MIX-INS to the top of the bars for extra flavor, texture, and visual interest!

The original recipe called for:

1 Cup of Dates (I get mine from Futterman Farms) - pitted and diced
2 Cups of Nuts - your choice to use one nut or a mix to create the flavor profile of your choice
1/3 Cup Flavor Ad-Ins

Today I modified the recipe:

2 cups of dates
1 cup of nuts ( I used cashew)
1 cup of gluten free oats 
1 tsp vanilla
NOTE: You may need to add/reduce oats based on moisture content of the dates you are using.

Instructions:

Add 1/2 of the ingredients into a VitaMix or powerful blender/food processor.
Get to a relatively smooth consistency and add the rest. 
Place in a glass Pyrex container, press down to help solidify, and cover.
NOTE: The thickness of the bars is based on the size of the container you use. I made THINK ones today!
Refrigerate for about 1 hour to help the bars set.
NOTE: Just before placing the bars in the refrigerator I added 1/2 cup of MIX-INS to the top of the bars.

No Bake Date Bars Featuring Chocolate Superfood Protein

Cooking is a creative process for me; it is my art! I love to try new recipes or modify tried-and-true recipes with a new product that I have encountered. Today I modified my NoBakeDateDelight ENERGY BARS and added SUPERFOOD PROTEIN! The result was a batch of bars that I could not keep in the refrigerator for more than a day! They flew off the shelf! I WILL MAKE THIS VERSION AGAIN!!!

Base Recipe:

• 2 cups pitted dates (I get mine from Futterman Farms)
• 1 cup nuts of choice (I used cashew this time)
• 1 cup oats (I use gluten free)
• 1 scoop Ground Based Nutrition Superfood Protein - Chocolate Flavor
• 1/3 cup pepitas to garnish top - optional
• 1 tsp flavoring - I used vanilla in this recipe. Almond pairs well with dates too.

Instructions:

• Blend the dates, nuts, oats, and protein in a Vitamix until combined. You can leave it a bit chunky for more texture in your bars or blend until smooth. 
• NOTE: I suggest you add the dates 1/4 at a time. The moister the dates are, the greater he chance the mixture will turn into a paste and stop the Vitamix. If this does happen, take a spatula and break up the dense mixture and start again. 
• When combined to your liking, press into a glass dish and garnish. 
• Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes. 
• Cut into bars and enjoy!
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