These were easy to make using a food processor and they tasted perfect!

I started with this recipe from Oh She Glows and it worked really well. I used the same ingredients and measurements.

Here are the steps that I followed:

1. Place the chopped dates in the food processor and process until they start to stick together and ball up. Remove them from the food processor and place them in a bowl. Set aside.
2. Place the cashews, chocolate chips, cinnamon, and vanilla in the food processor and process until the nuts are finely chopped.
3. Add the nut mixture to the dates and mix together as best you can.
4. Place a piece of plastic wrap on the counter and pour/plop the mixture onto the plastic. Fold the plastic over the mixture to keep it from sticking to your hands and knead it until it all sticks together and you can form it into bars. Divide the mixture into two or three pieces and form into bars (using the plastic wrap to shape them to keep them from sticking to your hands). Wrap the bars in plastic and refrigerate.

My approach to eating is balanced. I believe that eating a whole foods plant-based diet is the healthiest way to fuel our bodies. I also believe in chocolate. One of my mantras for daily living is, “something is always better than nothing.” GetNatured isn't about perfection. It is about the simple pursuit of health and happiness. Sometimes that means watching the sunrise on a morning run. Sometimes it means forgoing my “to do” list in favor of sharing freshly baked chocolate chip cookies with my favorite person. Health and happiness are both physical and mental. I believe in feeding both.

I love new flavors and combinations of foods and my desire for those continually inspires and challenges me to learn new things. I have gained countless new ideas and have been so immensely inspired by reading blogs. Though the world of food blogging is huge, there is a feeling of solidarity that runs through this virtual community. My family may not understand my excitement over finding "00" flour for pizza crust, but I know that my fellow bloggers do!

My family and I are vegetarians and, while I truly believe with all that I am that is the healthiest way to eat, I do not want my readers to ever feel like they're getting the cold shoulder for enjoying animal-based foods. I know that everyone has their own favorite foods and traditions and that is their personal journey. I share recipes and my food successes because I believe passionately that healthy food can be simple and delicious- even to kids! My hope is that others will be inspired to integrate more whole foods into lives as well.