You are going to LOVE this recipe, it's hearty, sweet, delicious and a healthy replacement to granola bars.

Speaking of which, when was the last time you looked at the nutritional panel on the box of your favourite cranberry, chocolate chip granola bars? If you haven't, I invite you to check out both the sugar and the sodium content.You might be shocked to realize it has as much sugar as a processed chocolate bar and as much sodium as potato chips.

Granola bars are a sneaky food and unfortunately manufacturers are more concerned about shelf life and profits than good nutrition. Without naming brands here, most granola bars are nothing more than junk food: Empty calories and containing more ingredients than in my entire kitchen combined. As Michael Pollan puts it: "If a 3rd grader cannot pronounce the ingredient list, don't buy it". This is great advice to live by regarding all the food you put into your body.

OK, enough lecturing as I'm more interested in sharing this latest recipe that will make your cells joyous. If you tried my previous raw cookie recipe, then I know you'll love these raw chocolate bar bites and maybe you'll even toss those cardboard granola bars in favour of these.

Benefit of raw chocolate and recipe after the jump

Raw chocolate has been enjoyed by South American cultures for literally thousands of years. In fact, the Mayans considered it a superfood. Cacao (raw chocolate) is a natural source of antioxidants, magnesium and surprisingly, a source of fibre. My favourite brand of raw chocolate is called Cacao Power. It is USDA certified organic, sourced directly from farmers and cultivated sustainably. I just love supporting brands that love mama earth.

Raw Chocolate Bar Bites

Ingredients:
1/2 cup raw almonds, preferably soaked overnight in water
10-15 medjool dates, seeds removed (quantity depends on how sticky you like the bars)
2 tbsp raw chocolate nibs (My preferred brand is Cacao Power, you could easily substitute for semi-sweet chocolate chips)
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Method:
Place all the ingredients into a food processor, blend for a couple of minutes until combined well. Form the mixture into small bars (just like you see in the photo). Refrigerate overnight or for a couple of hours. Makes about 10 small bars.

EnJOY!

Joy McCarthy, Registered Holistic Nutritionist and Health Coach of Joyous Health, loves to inspire others to eat well and live well. Joy is the resident holistic nutritionist at 889 Yonge, a Yoga & Holistic Lifestyle Spa in Toronto. Joy welcomes your questions or comments.

Please note: All of these recipes are created in my joyous kitchen with the healthiest ingredients. I'm not a calorie counter or a professional chef, I'm a nutritionist, who loves to cook and bake and I'm delighted to share my creations with you.