Chocolate and Peanut Butter Oat Bars

Original recipe is here; but I made a few changes to make it my own.

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Grocery List

• 1 cup packed pitted dates
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup creamy salted natural peanut butter
• 1 cup roasted unsalted almonds (loosely chopped)
• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats 
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips

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How to make them

1. Process dates in a food processor until small bits remain (about 1 minute). It should form into a ball
2. Place oats, almonds and dates in a large mixing bowl – set aside.
3. Warm honey and peanut butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir and pour over oat mixture and then mix, breaking up the dates to disperse throughout.
4. Once thoroughly mixed, transfer to an baking dish or other small pan lined with parchment paper so they lift out easily.
5. Press down firmly until uniformly flattened – I use something flat, like a drinking glass, to press down and really pack the bars, which helps them hold together better.
6. Cover with parchment or plastic wrap, and let firm up in fridge or freezer for 15-20 minutes.
7. Remove bars from pan and chop into 10 even bars (or 9 squares // as original recipe is written).
8. Store in an airtight container for up to a few days. I kept mine in the freezer to keep them extra fresh, but it isn’t necessary.