Whether or not you have a special someone this Valentine’s day, it’s never a bad time of year to learn to healthy cooking tips to make your sweet treats heart healthy. <3
Last year, I shared my homemade dark chocolate peanut butter cups and raw chocolate protein balls. Since then, I’ve fully embraced the magic that is Medjool dates, which I now use as my primary sweetener. This is a great replacement for white sugar , Agave or honey. With the protein balls, it also lends a moisture component that allows you to cut the melted coconut oil by at least half. While the protein balls are practically a fridge staple for me (pictured again, above), I’ve really been wanting to make a homemade protein bar that I love. I really like Larabars and Kind bars in general, and in particular a flavor called Coconut Creme by Larabar. The first recipe is my adaptation in its’ current state of evolution.
Coconut Cashew Bars
– 1 cup reduced salt cashew pieces
– 3/4 – 1 cup Medjool date paste
– 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
– 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract
1.) To make date paste, remove pits. If using traditional dates or Medjool dates that are less than fresh, soak them in warm water for five minutes. Blend dates and 1/4 cup of reserved soaking water, or more depending upon desired thickness. If making several types of treats, make date paste ahead and use as needed.
2.) Chop cashews finely in a food processor or heavy duty blender. Mix in remaining ingredients.
3.) For squares or bars, roll “dough” into a ball and wrap loosely with plastic wrap. Roll out with a rolling pin to form a square, using the dull edge of a knife to form corners. Cut into squares, refrigerate to harden. Enjoy the bars and your savings!
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
These are an instant hit. Who doesn’t love raw cookie dough, salmonella risks and all? This kind is egg free and full of possibilities to make it healthier.
1 cup cashew pieces
1/2 cup date paste
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
handful chocolate chips
This is the basic form of this recipe. Blend cashew pieces and add remaining ingredients. Roll into 1/2 inch – 1 inch balls an refrigerate to harden.
This version is certainly a healthier alternative to traditional cookie dough, but I thought it had room for improvement. I added in the following:
1/2 cup almonds (blended along with cashews)
2 Tablespoons chia seeds
These make them less sweet but add some extra protein and texture.
Happy Valentine’s Day! Enjoy!
