1 cup dates, chopped
2 cups walnuts
1 tbsp. coconut oil (at room temperature)
¼ cup cocoa powder
¼ cup carob powder (or more cocoa powder)
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 oz. organic dark chocolate, melted (optional)
1 oz. organic white chocolate, melted (optional)

Place dates in a cup and add enough hot water to cover the dates completely.  Let rest 10 minutes before straining.

In a food processor, combine dates, walnuts, coconut oil, cocoa powder, carob powder and vanilla extract.  Process until mixture holds together when pressed into a ball.

Pour mixture onto a sheet of parchment paper and using the sides of the parchment paper shape into a square approx 1” thick.

Remove parchment paper and cut into 16 squares. Alternatively, pack the mixture into your favorite mold for a variety of fun shapes.

Place squares over a wire rack and decorate by drizzling melted chocolate over treats in a zigzag fashion.

Refrigerate until chocolate has set.

The health benefits of carob are mainly attributed to its vitamins and mineral content, like calcium, zinc, potassium, phosphorous, vitamin K, riboflavin, and vitamin-E, as well as its natural antioxidants.  read more