Dark Chocolate Bars

I love chocolate. Dark chocolate has a ton of health benefits, but let’s face it…. it can be a bit bitter. That’s why I love this recipe! It has all the benefits of dark chocolate, but by using dates, there’s more sweetness. (Without the blood sugar spike of refined sugar!)

The pistachios, almonds, and macadamia nuts not only add great flavor and crunch, they’re also fabulous sources of protein and healthy fat.

Dark Chocolate Bars

4 oz. dark chocolate (85% cacao) finely chopped
1/3 cup shelled pistachios
1/3 cup almonds, toasted
1/3 cup macadamia nuts
8 oz. Medjool dates, pitted
1/2 t vanilla extract
1/3 cup dried cherries

Line a 8×8 pan with 2 sheets of waxed paper, cut to fit and crossed
over. Make sure the waxed paper goes up and over the sides.

Put chocolate in a heat-proof bowl over a pot of water on the stove.
Simmer the water while stirring the chocolate until melted. Once it’s
melted, stir in the vanilla.

In a food processor, process the dates until chopped fine. Add the
nuts and cherries and pulse to combine. Then add the melted
chocolate and pulse until everything is mixed together. Pour the
mixture (it’ll be thick!) onto the pan and press down firmly.

Put the mixture into the fridge until firm (about 1 hour).
Then lift out of the tray, using the wax paper and cut into bite sized
bars. Store the left-overs in the fridge.

Enjoy!