How should you store and prepare dates?

Store the dates in your refrigerator and use within a month of purchase so they do not harden. To prepare, if they have them, remove the paper-like cap on the stem end, then cut the dates lengthwise to expose the long pit in the center. Remove the pit. Then just roughly chop into thirds or so for this recipe. They will stick to the knife!

Why are chia seeds healthy for you?

Chia seeds have Omega-3 fatty acids, protein and fiber. They also swell as they absorb moisture, so they also help to keep you full and satisfied.

What is the difference between Medjool dates and regular dates?

Medjool dates are larger and have a mush softer and chewier texture. They're also sweeter and have a deeper and more caramel-like flavor. Regular dates (also known as Deglet Noor) are much smaller, and have a harder texture.

Can you freeze homemade bars?

Yes. Store the bars in a Ziploc bag and freeze for up to 2 months.

Lemon Ginger Chia No-Bake Snack Bars

Name: Lemon Ginger Chia No-Bake Snack Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ¼ cup oats, gluten-free if desired; 2 tablespoons black chia seeds; 1 cup pitted and chopped soft medjool dates (5 ½ ounces); 3 tablespoons honey; 2 teaspoons lemon zest; 2 teaspoons lemon juice; 1 ½ cup sliced almonds, toasted if desired; 3 tablespoons chopped crystallized ginger

Description

Lemon, almonds, chia and crystallized ginger come together in these simple no-bake snack bars. They are naturally sweetened with Medjool dates and honey, ready in just 15 minutes and have a gluten free version!

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 1/4 cup oats, gluten-free if desired
2 tablespoons black chia seeds
1 cup pitted and chopped soft medjool dates (5 1/2 ounces)
3 tablespoons honey
2 teaspoons lemon zest
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted if desired
3 tablespoons chopped crystallized ginger

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Instructions

Grind oats in food processor until flour like in texture. Add chia seeds and pulse to combine. Empty oat mixture into a medium bowl.
Grind dates in food processor, scraping sides until paste like. Add honey, lemon zest and lemon juice, and process, scraping sides several times to combine the mixture. Add the oat mixture and process, stopping and scraping until the mixture comes together. Add almonds and ginger and pulse several times to incorporate.
Spray a 8 by 8-inch baking pan with cooking spray. Scrape the oat date mixture into the pan, and press into the pan with moistened fingertips. Refrigerate to firm, 1 to 12 hours. Cut into 12 bars. Store bars in a Ziploc bag in the refrigerator up to one week.

Notes

Which Dates To Use

The key to these snack bars are the kind of dates you use. The dates are the glue that hold the ingredients together, and they act as a natural sweetener. Make sure you use whole Medjool dates which are really soft and sticky, and just perfect to use as the base of these bars. The kind of dates you buy in a box that are pre chopped and coated in sugar are too hard and dry to achieve the right texture.

Storage

Store bars in a Ziploc bag in the refrigerator up to one week. Freeze for one month. For best results, wrap bars individually in plastic wrap and then transfer to a Ziplock bag or resealable container to freeze.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Category: Snack
Method: No cook
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Calories: 186
Sugar: 14 g
Sodium: 2 mg
Fat: 9 g
Saturated Fat: 1 g
Carbohydrates: 26 g
Fiber: 5 g
Protein: 5 g