Lately I’ve been on a health kick, so I have been trying to implement a healthier diet into my daily routine. It can be hard when you’re running from meeting to meeting, going to tastings, and on-site at events.
The other day I arrived at my sister’s house for a quick visit and I was starving. My sister is a raw vegan and although I am trying to be healthier, I don’t think I have enough willpower to join her! That being said, I began to rummage through her fridge and then her pantry where I found some homemade snacks that looked halfway decent. I quickly popped them into my mouth with very little expectations other than getting food into my stomach. To my surprise they were incredibly yummy! Come to find out they were Lemon Coconut Date Bars and completely guilt free.
I now make these at home the night before a busy day (they take no time at all to make) and throw them into my purse for the perfect healthy on-the-go snack. A raw vegan snack may not sound delicious, but just try it and you will be pleasantly surprised!
Recipe:
1 cup almonds
1 1/2 cups pitted dates
1 vanilla bean
1 tsp sea salt
zest of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons of lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
1 cup dried shredded coconut
Chop almonds into small pieces in food processor. Use a little of this crushed almond powder to flour the bottom of a 9-inch baking pan.
In a mixing bowl, mix remaining ingredients (including remaining chopped almonds). Press mixture into baking pan.
Chill for a couple hours until firm. Cut into squares.