Chocolate Covered Strawberry Energy Squares (dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan)
Let's be real for a moment. The world is not set up to be conducive to a healthy lifestyle. Although we've slowly seen a trend for healthy fast casual restaurants and smoothie bars popping up , there's still a fast food joint on every corner, and convenience stores aren't necessarily stocked with wholesome options. It's important to set up the space around you and take time each week to prepare food that's nutritious and transportable. So I'm sharing an on-the-go snack you can take wherever you go. Pack up the squares so when you're rushing from meetings to errands to the gym you know you have something good to eat.
That's why I want you to try these real food Chocolate Covered Strawberry Energy Squares. These bites have the simplest ingredients that will give you a boost of protein, fiber, healthy fats and nutrients your body needs. I love making a big batch on Sunday afternoon and then I have them to snack on all week long. They last beautifully as long as you keep the batch in an air-tight container in the fridge. These can also be frozen if you like to double the recipe and save some for later.
Freeze dried strawberries give the bites a boost of nutrition and subtle strawberry flavor. Freeze dried strawberries are made from a 3 step process that begins with freezing the fruit and eventually evaporating the frozen water crystals. What's left is a strawberry that's airy, crunchy, flavorful. The same process is used for other freeze dried products like other fruits and vegetables.
To whip up the recipe you'll let a food processor do all the work for you. Toss in almonds, pitted dates, freeze dried strawberries, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, coconut oil and a pinch of sea salt - that's it!
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Energy Squares
Yield: 16 Bites
Store: In an air-tight container in the refrigerator
Ingredients: 1 cup raw almonds 1 cup freeze dried strawberries 4 Tbsp raw cacao (cocoa powder will work, too) 1 1/2 cup pitted dates
1 tsp coconut oil 1/2 tsp vanilla extract Pinch sea salt
drizzle of water, if needed
Instructions: 1. Use a food processor fitted with an “S” blade to make this recipe. First, add almonds and process until the almonds break down.
2. Add dates and process until combined and the mixture is the consistency of rough sand.
3. Add remaining ingredients and process until the mixtures sticks together like dough. Press between your fingers to test the stickiness. If it doesn't stick drizzle in a bit of water (1 tsp at a time) and pulse until it sticks.
4. Press into a square 8 by 8 inch baking dish (line with parchment paper).
5. Chill in the fridge for 10 minutes.
6. Slice into 16 bite sized pieces.
