Date & Toasted Walnut Bites (Vegan)

I have a crazy sweet tooth (thanks, Mom). I try to assuage the sweet craving by eating raisins and other dried fruit, but sometimes I really want something sweet and rich. A friend of mine made date “candy” a few months ago and suggested I try it. Dates are very sweet, so I wouldn’t need to add any additional sugar.

I elected to use walnuts here, but you can use almonds, pecans, pistachios, or any other nut you prefer. If you are allergic to nuts, try flax, sesame, or chia seeds to add that crunchy texture. Spice (or rather, liquor) things up by soaking the dates for 30-40 minutes in 1/4 cup rum or brandy, draining off the alcohol before you blend everything. [They don’t look too pretty, but they sure taste great!]

You’ll want to store these in the fridge because they hold together better when they are cold. Yes, these are rather expensive candies when you price them out, but much healthier in the long run than gummy bears

Note: You can also make these raw food candies by using raw rather than toasted walnuts.

Date & Toasted Walnut Bites (Vegan)

Ingredients:

2 cups pitted dates
3/4 cup toasted walnut pieces
pinch of salt

Directions:

1. Place dates, walnuts, and salt in a food processor or blender (I used my immersion blender mini food processor attachment). Pulse until ingredients form a paste.
2. Wet or oil hands and roll date mixture into balls, or form into small logs. Store in the fridge.

Fun variations:

• Add 1/4 cup toasted coconut or chocolate chips
• Add a variety of other dried fruits and nuts

The cost:
dates: 4.99
nuts: 4.99

Grand total: $9.98; makes 20-25 “candies”