so good you’ll think they are bad for you

I have had a huge bag of pressed dates sitting in my pantry since my craze with baking date filled oatmeal cookies. I had a craving for the sweetness of dates but didn’t have the time commitment today to make the cookies – so pie pie and I experimented in the kitchen a little today while the boss was napping…and oh man these are actually amazing. They are so tasty I think if you had someone taste them blindfolded they might even think there is some sort of chocolate in there.  Even as we were tasting them, I asked pie pie if she thought we made junk food or good food…and she looked at me with a cute sheepish smile and replied “junk food” and I reviewed our ingredients again with her and she said…”good food??!”.  It is packed with nuts, dates, some oats and rice crispies, and for richness yes there is butter & brown sugar…but not lots.  My husband came home from work and popped one into his mouth and then said “mmm..what is this? is it bad for you?” and pie pie happily told him “no! it’s good food!” hahaha, after which he proceeded to eat a few more. If you or your family are like us (sweet tooths!) then this recipe is a must try!  You could certainly eliminate the brown sugar too if you prefer, as the dates are quite sweet.

Oh – and just realized – they are gluten free, for those who can’t eat wheat!

I also recommend making a double batch because these will go fast…

prep: 10 min     cook: 5 min     yield: 9 squares

what you need:

• 1 cup pressed dates
• 1 cup crushed mixed nuts (we used unsalted Kirkland brand of mixed nuts)
• 3 tbsp (not packed) brown sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup quick cooking oats
• 3/4 cup rice crispy cereal
• 1/2 tsp vanilla
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• small pinch of salt

what to do:

1. In a saucepan over medium-low heat, combine dates, brown sugar, cinnamon and butter.
2. Crush nuts in a bag with a rolling pin (perfect task for your kids!)
3. Once butter is melted and dates are loosened, remove from heat and mix with a fork to work butter and sugar into the dates.
4. Add in the rest of the ingredients and mix using fork or spatula, until everything seems evenly combined.
5. Press firmly into a 9×9″ pan and allow to cool completely before cutting into squares and storing in an airtight container. Instead of squares you could roll them into balls (also a fun task for kids) – don’t be scared to press them in your hands firmly to make sure they stay together in a ball form. Enjoy!

pie pie, my lil’ kitchen helper

boss woke up from her nap to a healthy fun snack!