Aussie Bites

Yield: 2 dozen

1 3/4 cup rolled oats

1/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup dates (or dried apricots)

1/4 cup dried cranberries (or raisins)

1/4 cup ground flaxseed

1/4 cup sunflower seeds

1/4 cup shredded coconut

1/4 cup quinoa (cooked or raw)

2 tbsp chia seeds

1/4 cup mini chocolate chips

1/4 tsp baking soda

1/4 cup honey

1/4 cup butter, melted

1/4 cup coconut oil, melted

1/2 tsp vanilla

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Lightly grease or line two mini muffin trays.

2. In the bowl of a food processor, place 1 cup of oats. Process for about 1 minute until oats are pulverized into oat flour.

3. Add in the remaining 3/4 cup rolled oats, sugar, dates, dried cranberries, flax seed, sunflower seeds, coconut, quinoa, chia seeds, and baking soda. Pulse until dried fruits are in small bits.

4. Pour in honey, melted butter, canola oil, and vanilla extract. Pulse just until combined.

5. Divide batter among the prepared muffin tins.

6. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until golden brown.

7. Once completely cooled, remove from pan and store in an airtight container for 4 to 5 days.

https://thestayathomechef.com/homemade-aussie-bites/

Peanut Butter Cookies (No-Bake)

Yield: 12

1 cup rolled oats

1 pinch salt

3/4 cup medjool dates

1/2 cup natural salted peanut butter

1. Add oats and salt to a food processor and process into a flour.

2. Add dates and blend for 30 seconds more or until finely chopped.

3. Add peanut butter and blend until a dough forms.

4. Scoop out 1-tablespoon amounts of dough and carefully form into cookies. Place on a parchment-lined pan or tray.

5. Use the back of a fork to create a cross hatch on the top of the cookies.

6. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or in the freezer up to 1 month.

https://minimalistbaker.com/3-ingredient-no-bake-peanut-butter-cookies/

Peanut Butter Granola Bars (with dates)

Yield: 1 8x8 dish

1 1/2 cups packed pitted dates

1/2 cup peanut butter

1/2 cup rolled oats

1. If your dates are not sticky and moist, soak in warm water for 10 minutes and then drain. Otherwise, proceed to step 2.

2. Add dates to a food processor and pulse until only small bits remain. You want the dates to clump into a ball.

3. Add peanut butter and oats and pulse a few more times until incorporated, stirring and scraping down sides as needed.

4. Transfer to a parchment-lined 8x8 dish and press down until flat. Transfer to freezer to set.

5. Slice into 8-10 bars and store in the fridge or freezer to keep fresh. 

6. Will keep in the fridge for several weeks and in the freezer for up to a couple months or more.

https://minimalistbaker.com/3-ingredient-peanut-butter-granola-bars/

Carrot Cake Bliss Balls

Yield: 16

1 cup medjool dates, pitted

1 1/3 cups walnuts (or pecans or cashews)

1/2 cup almonds

2 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 tsp salt

3/4 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp ground ginger

pinch ground nutmeg

3/4 cup carrot, shredded (1-2 carrots)

1/4 cup coconut flour

1/4 cup raisins

1/2 cup shredded coconut

1. Add dates to the bowl of the food processor. Blend until small bits remain or a ball forms. Remove and set aside.

2. To the food processor, add walnuts, almonds, vanilla, salt, and spices. Blend until a semi-fine meal is achieved, about 15 seconds.

3. Add the shredded carrot and dates back to the food processor. Pulse until a loose dough forms and the carrots are just incorporated.

4. Add coconut flour and pulse to combine. You may need to remove the lid and stir occasionally to encourage things along.

5. Once well combined, add raisins and pulse/stir once more to combine.

6. Scoop out approximately 2 tablespoon amounts and roll into balls. Repeat until all dough is used up.

7. Roll in shredded coconut and enjoy immediately or refrigerate to chill/firm up.

8. Store covered in the refrigerator up to 1 week, or in the freezer for up to 1 month.

https://minimalistbaker.com/no-bake-carrot-cake-bites/

Moroccan Chicken Stew

Yield: 4 servings

1 tbsp olive oil

1 red onion, finely sliced

4 garlic cloves, finely minced

thumb-sized piece ginger, finely grated

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp smoked sweet paprika

1/2 tsp chili powder

4 chicken thighs, skin on

2 red peppers, sliced into thin strips

1 large lemon, sliced

1/4 cup green olives, pitted and roughly chopped

1 cup chicken stock

4 pitted dates, chopped

3 dried apricots, chopped

1 cup green beans, halved

handful fresh cilantro, chopped

handful fresh parsley, chopped

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and gently cook for 8 mins until softened.

2. Add the garlic, ginger, and spices, and cook for 1 min more.

3. Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and cook until the skin is golden and crisp, then turn and cook to lightly golden on the flesh side.

4. Add the red pepper, lemon slices, olives, chicken stock, dates, and apricots. Simmer with the lid on for about 40 mins until the chicken is cooked through.

5. Add green beans for the final 4 mins of cooking time.

6. Season to taste. Top with the chopped cilantro and parsley to serve.

https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/moroccan-chicken-stew

Chai Spice Energy Balls

Yield: 12

2/3 cup shredded coconut

2/3 cup almonds

1 cup medjool dates, pits removed

1/4 cup almond butter

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp ground ginger

1/2 tsp ground cardamom

1/4 tsp ground cloves

1/4 tsp allspice

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp ground black pepper

1. Toast 3 tablespoons of shredded coconut until lightly browned.

2. In a food processor, pulse almonds and remaining shredded coconut in a food processor until completely ground. Remove from bowl and set aside.

3. Add the dates and pulse until only small bits remain.

4. Add almond and coconuts back to the food processor along with remaining ingredients (except the toasted coconut). Blend until all ingredients are combined into a dough-like consistency.

5. Roll dough into a balls in your hands. Roll each ball in the toasted coconut.

6. Store in the refrigerator in a glass container.

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-23193/these-chaispiced-energy-balls-will-be-your-new-favorite-snack.html

Sunflower and Hempseed Pate

Yield: 4 cups

1 1/2 cups sunflower seeds, soaked at least 6 hours

2 tbsp lemon juice

1 tbsp miso

2 tbsp tamari

1 tbsp grated ginger

5 dates, soaked, soaking liquid reserved

3/4 tbsp dill

1/2 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp curry powder

1 stalk celery, chopped

1 cup grated carrot or sweet potato

1 tsp turmeric

1/4 cup parsley

2 cups hemp seeds

1. Combine all ingredients in food processor and pulse to combine.

2. Can be used as a stuffing for raw mini peppers or tomatoes, as a dip for vegetables, a spread for pita or sandwiches, or a filling for nori rolls.

CSNN recipe from Alicia

Pumpkin Spice Energy Balls

Yield: 16

1/4 cup almonds

2 dates

1 cup oats

1/4 cup shredded coconut

1/4 cup pumpkin puree

2 tbsp almond flour

1 tbsp maple syrup

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp allspice

1/4 tsp ground ginger

1/4 tsp salt

1. In a food processor, pulse almonds until only small pieces remain. Remove and set aside in a bowl.

2. Add dates to the food processor and pulse until small pieces remain.

3. Add oats, coconut, pumpkin, almond flour, maple syrup, cinnamon, allspice, ginger, and salt to the food processor. Pulse until just combined.

4. Add chopped almonds. Pulse again until mixed together.

5. Using your hands, roll into bite-sized balls. Store in refrigerator until ready to eat.

Chocolate Almond Butter Bars (No-Bake)

Yield: 1 8x8 pan (24 bars)

Crust:

1 1/2 cups almonds or walnuts (can use almond flour as well)

1/4 cup cocoa powder

pinch salt

1 cup packed dates

Almond Layer:

1 cup almond butter (creamy or crunchy) (or sub other nut or seed butter)

2 tbsp maple syrup

pinch salt

Ganache:

1 1/4 cup (9 ounces / 255 g) vegan dark chocolate, very finely chopped

7 tbsp light coconut milk

1 tbsp coconut oil

1. Prepare crust by adding nuts, cocoa powder, and salt to a food processor and blending into a meal. Remove from bowl and set aside.

2. Add dates to the food processor and pulse until small bits remain or a ball forms. Break up the dates so they are not all in one clump.

3. Add the nut-cocoa mixture back in and blend to combine until a loose dough is formed.

4. Transfer the dough to a parchment-lined 8x8-inch baking dish and spread with fingers to evenly distribute. Use a flat-bottomed object to press and pack the crust into a solid, even layer. Set aside.

5. Add almond butter to a small mixing bowl along with maple syrup and sea salt. Stir to combine. 

6. Place spoonfuls of the almond butter mixture on top of the crust. Use an offset spatula to spread and pack the mixture down into a flat, uniform layer. Set in freezer to chill.

7. Add finely chopped dark chocolate to a medium mixing bowl.

8. Add coconut milk and coconut oil to a small saucepan. Heat until very hot but not boiling. Pour the coconut milk directly over the chocolate, and stir to combine.  

9. Cover with plastic wrap and let chocolate melt for 5 minutes. Whisk to combine. The mixture should be entirely melted and smooth. If not, heat in the microwave in 15 second increments until entirely smooth and no chunks remain. 

10. Remove pan from the freezer and pour the ganache on top. Spread with offset spatula until smooth. Place back to the freezer to set for 5 to 10 minutes.

11. Slice into desired number of bars, say 24. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator up to 1 week or in the freezer up to 1 month.

https://minimalistbaker.com/no-bake-almond-butter-cup-bars/

Vanilla Cake Bliss Balls

Yield: 16

1 cup packed pitted medjool dates (about 9)

1 cup walnuts

1 cup almond flour

1/3 cup coconut flour

pinch salt

2 tsp vanilla extract

optional: finely shredded unsweetened coconut

1. Add pitted dates to a food processor and mix until small bits remain or a ball forms. Remove from food processor and set aside.

2. To the food processor, add the walnuts, almond flour, coconut flour, and salt. Blend until a semi-fine meal is achieved.

3. Add dates back in (in pieces) as well as the vanilla extract. Pulse until a loose dough forms. Be careful not to over-blend. The mixture should be a pliable dough, not a purée.

4. Scoop out one-tablespoon amounts and roll into balls with hands. Repeat until all dough is used up.

5. Roll in finely shredded coconut or leave as is.

6. Store in refrigerator or freezer. Will keep in the refrigerator up to 1 week or in the freezer up to 1 month. Could also press the dough into a loaf or 8x8-inch cake pan and slice into bars.

https://minimalistbaker.com/no-bake-vanilla-cake-bites/

Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble Bar

Yield: 8x8 pan

Crust:

1 cup rolled oats

1 cup almonds

4 medjool dates, pitted

3 tbsp coconut sugar

2 tbsp unsweetened shredded coconut

1/4 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp salt

5 tbsp coconut oil, melted

Filling:

2 cups rhubarb, chopped into 1/2 inch pieces

1 cup strawberries, chopped into 1/2 inch pieces

1/4 cup orange juice

2 tbsp maple syrup

1 tbsp chia seeds

Crumble Topping:

3 tbsp coconut sugar

2 tbsp almond flour

1/4 cup rolled oats

1/4 tsp cinnamon

1 1/2 tbsp coconut oil

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.

2. Add oats, almonds, dates, coconut sugar, coconut, cinnamon, and salt to a food processor or high-speed blender and pulse into a fine meal, making sure no large pieces remain.

3. Add melted coconut oil and pulse to incorporate. It should form a loose dough that forms when squeezed between two fingers. Add more melted oil if too dry.

4. Spread the mixture into the lined baking dish and press down into an even layer with your fingers or a flat object (such as a drinking glass).

5. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the crust is fragrant and the edges are slightly golden brown. Set aside.

6. In the meantime, add rhubarb, strawberries, orange juice, and maple syrup to a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat until slightly softened and bubbly, about 5 to 10 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent sticking. In the last minute of cooking, add the chia seeds and stir to ensure all the chia seeds are evenly distributed. Remove from heat and set aside.

7. Prepare crumble by adding all ingredients to a small mixing bowl and using a fork or your fingers to mix ingredients into a crumble. Set aside.

8. Spoon the strawberry-rhubarb mixture over the pre-baked crust and spread into an even layer. Top with crumble topping and spread evenly to cover fruit.

9. Return pan to the oven and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes or until the fruit is warm and bubbly and the crumble is golden brown.

10. Remove from oven and let cool completely, at least 1 hour. Once cooled, gently lift bars from pan and slice into squares or bars.

11. Store leftovers in a well-sealed container at room temperature for 2 days, in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, or the freezer up to 1 month.

https://minimalistbaker.com/strawberry-rhubarb-crumble-bars-gf/

Peanut Butter Brownie Bars

Yield: 1 8x8 pan (about 25 squares)

Brownie Layer:

1 cup medjool dates, pitted

1 cup walnuts

1/2 cup almonds

1/2 cup cocoa powder

1/4 cup chocolate chips (semisweet or dark)

pinch sea salt

Peanut Butter Layer:

1/2 cup medjool dates, pitted

1 cup peanuts

1/2 cup almonds

1/2 cup peanut butter

pinch sea salt

1. Line an 8x8 pan with parchment paper and set aside.

2. To make the brownie layer, pulse dates in the food processor until small bits remain. Remove from processor and set aside in a small bowl.

3. Combine walnuts, almonds, cocoa powder, and chocolate chips in the processor, and pulse until well combined.

4. While the processor is running, drop small bits of the dates in until a dough is formed. It should begin to ball up at some point. If it remains too dry, add a couple more whole pitted dates until a dough is achieved.

5. Using your hands, press into prepared pan until flat. Place into the freezer.

6. To make peanut butter layer, pulse dates in the food processor until small bits remain. Remove and set aside in a bowl.

7. Add almonds and peanuts and pulse until small bits remain.

8. Add peanut butter and the dates and process until well combined.

9. Press on top of brownie layer until smooth.

10. Freeze for at least 30 minutes before removing from pan. Cut into about 25 squares.

11. Store in an airtight container to keep fresh. Storing in the freezer will keep them fresh for weeks.


https://minimalistbaker.com/2-layer-no-bake-peanut-butter-brownie-bars/

Date Vinaigrette

Yield: 1/2 cup

5 pitted dates, soaked in hot water for at least 5 minutes
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp dijon mustard
1/2-inch fresh ginger, finely minced
1/2 tsp coriander
1/8 tsp chili flakes
1/8 tsp cinnamon
salt and pepper
reserved date soaking water

1. Combine the soaked dates (reserving the water), olive oil, lemon juice, dijon mustard, ginger, coriander, chili flakes, cinnamon, salt, and pepper in an upright blender. Blend on high, stopping to scrape down the sides if necessary. Add a couple spoonfuls of the date soaking water to get the blade moving, if necessary. It should be totally pureed and almost creamy.


http://thefirstmess.com/2015/07/01/moroccan-sweet-potato-sunshine-salad/

Moroccan Chickpea Stew

Yield: 4-6 servings

1 tbsp coconut oil

1 medium onion, diced

2 tsp cinnamon

2 tsp ground cumin

2 tsp ground coriander

1 tsp chili flakes

2 cloves of garlic, finely minced

4 dates, pitted and chopped

2 medium carrots, chopped

1 large sweet potato, peeled and chopped
1 small potato, peeled and chopped

1 can crushed tomatoes (preferably fire-roasted)

3 cups vegetable stock 

1 yellow pepper, chopped
1 zucchini, chopped

2 cups chickpeas

1 cup kale, chopped
2 tbsp parsley, chopped

zest of 1 lemon
salt and pepper

1. Heat the coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté until soft and translucent.
2. Reduce heat to medium-low, and add the cinnamon, cumin, coriander and chili flakes. Slowly sauté and stir until the onions are very soft, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Add the chopped dates, carrots, sweet potato, and potato. Stir to coat the vegetables in the spices and oil.
5. Add the tomatoes and vegetable stock. Bring to a boil and simmer until the sweet potatoes are just tender, about 15 minutes.

6. Add the yellow pepper, zucchini, and chickpeas. Simmer until the peppers and zucchini are tender and the sweet potatoes are quite soft, about 5 minutes.
7. Add the kale and cook for 1 minute, or until just wilted.
8. Garnish with parsley, lemon zest, and season with salt and pepper.


http://thefirstmess.com/2013/09/26/moroccan-style-vegan-vegetable-chickpea-stew-recipe/

Coconut Lime Energy Bites

Yield: 16

1/2 cup almonds

1/2 cup cashews

1 1/2 cups medjool dates, pitted

zest and juice from 3 limes

1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

1. Add the almonds and cashews to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until nuts are finely chopped, but not too long that the nuts to turn into a paste.
2. Add the dates, lime zest, and lime juice. Pulse until the dates are finely chopped and the mixture starts to clump.
3. Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls.
4. Roll in coconut to coat outside of the balls.
5. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

http://www.spoonfulofflavor.com/2014/01/27/key-lime-coconut-energy-bites/

Salted Almond Butter Cookies

Yield: 16

1 cup almond flour

1/2 cup almond butter

1 cup pitted medjool dates

1 tsp vanilla extra

1 tsp lemon juice

1/4 tsp sea salt

1. Add all ingredients to a food processor, and process until a thick dough is formed that clumps together. 

2. Roll dough into balls, then flatten into cookies with a fork. 

3. Sprinkle with sea salt.

4. Cookies will keep in the fridge for up to 10 days.


http://www.thisrawsomeveganlife.com/2017/07/salted-almond-butter-cookies.html

Banana Bread Muffin Tops

Yield: 12

2 large ripe bananas

1/2 cup medjool dates, pitted

1/4 cup coconut oil

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

2 cups rolled oats, divided

1/4 cup chocolate chips

1. Preheat the oven to 350F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. To the bowl of a food processor, add the bananas, dates, coconut oil, and vanilla. Process until smooth.

3. Add the cinnamon, baking powder, and salt and process again until combined.

4. Add 1 1/2 cups of the rolled oats and process for 5 seconds, just long enough to roughly chop the oats.

5. Remove the blade and set aside. Stir in the remaining 1/2 cup rolled oats and the chocolate chips.

6. Spoon a large portion of dough (about 2 tablespoons for each) onto the parchment. Do not press down on the dough to flatten - leave it in a mound on the baking sheet.

7. Bake for 10 minutes, rotate the pan, and bake for another 7 to 9 minutes until golden brown on the bottom.

8. Let cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes, then place on cooling rack to cool completely.

http://ohsheglows.com/2014/01/17/banana-bread-muffin-tops/

Crunchy Granola Bars

Yield: 8x8 pan

1 cup rolled oats

1/3 cup sliced almonds (or sunflower seeds or other nut)

1/4 cup flaxseed meal

2/3 cup shredded unsweetened coconut 

1/4 tsp salt

5 medjool dates, finely chopped

2 tbsp almond butter (or other nut or seed butter)

2 tbsp coconut oil

1/4 cup maple syrup (or brown rice syrup)

Topping (optional):

1/2 cup vegan dark chocolate

1 tbsp coconut oil

1 tsp sea salt or hemp seeds

1. Preheat oven to 325F. Line an 8x8 square pan with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, combine oats, almonds, flaxseed meal, coconut, and salt. Stir to combine.

3. Add dates to the bowl. Using your hands, mix dates into the oats, ensuring dates are evenly dispersed.

4. In a small saucepan, add almond butter, coconut oil, and maple syrup. Bring to a low boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and immediately add to the oats. Stir to coat all the dry ingredients.

5. Place the mixture in the prepared baking pan and spread into an even layer. Then top with another layer of parchment paper and press down with something flat to press into an even, uniform layer.

6. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool in the pan. 

7. Once cooled, lift out of the pan and slice into desired number of bars. 

8. Topping (optional): Melt dark chocolate and coconut oil in a small mixing bowl over a double boiler on the stovetop. Spoon a small amount over the bars in a drizzle pattern or cover half of the bar with chocolate. Top with sea salt or hemp seeds.

9. Once bars have dried/cooled, store covered at room temperature for 5 days or in the freezer up to 1 month.


https://minimalistbaker.com/crunchy-baked-granola-bars/

Chocolate Hemp Energy Bites

Yield: 15

1 cup pitted medjool dates

2 cups walnuts

1/3 cup cacao powder

2 tbsp hemp seeds, plus more for rolling

1/4 tsp sea salt

3 tbsp almond butter (or other nut or seed butter)

1 tbsp coconut oil, melted

1. Add dates to a food processor and pulse until small bites remain or a ball forms. Scoop out and set aside.

2. Add walnuts to the food processor and pulse into a fine meal.
3. Add cacao powder, hemp seeds, and sea salt. Pulse a few more times to combine. 

4. Add the dates back in along with the almond butter and melted coconut oil. Pulse to combine. The result should be a moist dough-like mixture. If too wet, add a bit more cacao powder or hemp seeds.
5. Refrigerate for 10 minutes.
6. Scoop out rounded tablespoon amounts and carefully form into balls. 

7. Roll in extra hemp seeds.

8. Store leftovers in a well-sealed container in the refrigerator up to 1 week or in the freezer up to 1 month.


https://minimalistbaker.com/dark-chocolate-hemp-energy-bites/

Peanut Butter Cookie Bites

Yield: 16 balls

Peanut Butter Centers:
1/4 cup rolled oats
2 pitted dates
1 cup almond meal
1/2 cup peanut butter

Outer Layer:
10 pitted dates (deglet nour or medjool)
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
3 tbsp peanut butter

1. Start by making the peanut butter centers. Add the oats to the food processor and process until only small pieces remain.
2. Add dates and process again until only small bits remain.
3. Add almond meal and peanut butter to the food processor and pulse until the mixture forms a loose dough.
4. Scoop small handfuls of dough and form into small balls, about 1 teaspoon. Place on a parchment lined cookie sheet and pop in the freezer to harden for 15 minutes.
5. Next, prepare the outer layer by pulsing dates in the food processor until only small pieces remain.
6. Add oats, chocolate chips, and peanut butter and mix until well combined. All pieces should be consistently small, but the mixture should not be overly processed.
7. Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the outer layer mixture and flatten into a disc. Place a peanut butter center on top, and carefully form the outer layer around it. Place back on cookie sheet and pop back in the freezer for 15 minutes to set.
8. Will keep fresh in an air-tight bag or container for up to a week. Store in fridge or freezer to keep for longer.


http://minimalistbaker.com/peanut-butter-stuffed-no-bake-cookie-bites/