We all know the magical result of combining peanut butter and bananas, or peanut butter and apple slices…but ever wonder what happens when you combine peanut butter and Dates?? Or how about peanut butter and Oranges, or peanut butter and Carrots?
One of my favorite things to do, especially when I have already dirtied my food processor by making hoards of nut butters, is to concoct some simple fruit/nut bars. Today, after making some pb, I left about 1c. peanut butter in the processor, threw in about 20 pitted medjool dates, and 1/2 c. raw oats. I processed this combo until it was thoroughly mixed, then pressed it into a baking pan. At this point, I usually will cut up the bars (about 16 bars), cover the dish in plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to eat. These are great as quick snacks or pre-workout energy bars.
 |
| Press and smooth out the top |
Optional add-ins:
-orange zest
-lemon zest
-chocolate chips
-other nuts
-dried cranberries
-cinnamon
-coconut flakes
-cocoa powder
-honey
* You may also use almond butter or pecan butter as a base, although pecan butter tends to be super oily! Pretty much any nut or dried fruit can be incorporated during processing. Use imagination and don’t be afraid of mess-ups as they can usually be fixed by adding more of something else to achieve the right consistency. You are looking for a cookie dough or thick cake-like texture.
As I said, I normally eat these bars as is. But, today, chocolate sounded extra-tempting. For a chocolate coating, just melt about 1 c. chocolate chips (or any chocolate bar of your choice). You can melt in the microwave in increments of 20 seconds, stirring each time. Or, you can melt the chocolate in a pot over the stove. Then, pour on top of the bars, smoothing evenly. Allow to chill in the freezer/fridge.
 |
||||
| It is probably best not to cut into squares until after the chocolate has cooled…oops! |
So, if you are eating these peanut butter and date bars, you should also seriously commit to trying a Magical Peanut-buttery-Orange-Carrot drink. Here’s how:
Blend…
- 1 frozen banana
- 1-2 T. peanut butter
- 1/2 cup milk (or ice cream for a “shake”)
- 1/2 cup orange-carrot juice (if you don’t have this, just use OJ)
- 1 handful of chilled baby carrots (optional)
- 1 handful of ice
 |
| PB&D/O/C |
“So I decided there is nothing better than to enjoy food and drink and to find satisfaction in work. Then I realized that these pleasures are from the hand of God. For who can eat or enjoy anything apart from Him?” Ecclesiastes 2:24-26