Dark Chocolate and Cherry Bars

Ingredients

• 2 cups almonds
• � cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons unrefined extra virgin coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon ground flaxseed
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• Pinch of salt
• � cup dried cherries
• 12 (give or take) pitted Medjool dates

For toppings

• � cup dried cherries, chopped
• � cup dark chocolate chips, chopped

Directions

1. Place all ingredients in a food processor, except for the dried cherries and dates, and the topping ingredients. Pulse until the nuts have become mostly smooth, about 3 minutes.
2. Add the � cup dried cherries and a handful of dates. Process until smooth. Scrape down the sides, and add more dates until the batter sticks together.
3. Dump the mixture into a 9x9 baking dish and evenly distribute the dough. Press down to flatten.
4. Sprinkle the � cup dried cherries and the dark chocolate chips over the top of the bars. Gently press the toppings into the bars so that they stick to the top.
5. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to harden the oils. Use a sharp knife to cut the batter into squares.
6. Store in an airtight container for 2 weeks or store in the refrigerator for several months.

Notes

1. *You can all roll the bars into tablespoon-sized balls and it is easier than forming them as bars.