For those who follow the latest food trends on social media, this one is a must!
Venturing into the realm of mindful eating, it's clear how the standard American diet has lost its charm for many of us. It’s crazy how much your taste buds change over time. While many fondly recall the allure of a Snickers bar with its caramel, peanuts, and chocolate, it's time to redefine indulgence. We're proud to present our innovative Date Bark - Snickers Edition. Entirely plant-based, oil-free, fruit-sweetened, and gluten-free, it's a testament to how nourishing meets delectable!
Why Dates? The Nutritional Powerhouse
Let's start with the star of the show – dates. Nature didn’t just bless us with their sweetness, but also with an arsenal of nutrients. These delightful fruits aren't just a treat for the taste buds; they also serve as an exemplary alternative to refined sugars.
Fun Fact for Expecting Moms (or one day expecting): Consuming six dates daily in the final month of pregnancy can result in notable benefits. A study highlighted increased cervical dilation and intact membranes among date consumers. 96% of those who ate dates experienced spontaneous labor, as opposed to 79% of non-consumers. And their labor? A significant seven hours shorter on average! I know i'll be a date eater when my time comes. Special shout out to Dr. Jordi Smith, Naturopathic Doctor specializing in pediatrics, for collaborating on this recipe :)
Health Benefits of Dates:
Folate: Integral for DNA synthesis, methylation, fetal development, and cellular processes.
Iron: Essential for pregnant women, maintaining optimal muscle and immune function, cognition, and metabolism.
Low Glycemic Index (GI): Dates have a low glycemic index (GI), meaning they are digested slowly and don't lead to rapid spikes in blood sugar levels. A lower glycemic load is correlated to improved insulin sensitivity, energy levels, and weight management.
Remember, moderation is key with dates due to their high caloric density! If your goal is weight loss, it's generally advisable to limit your consumption to just 1-2 dates per day. This way, you can savor their sweetness without compromising your weight management efforts.
Elevated Chocolate Experience:
This Date Bark is not your ordinary chocolate fix. We use no-added-sugar chocolate, providing the same richness without the sugar overload. Hu Kitchen chocolate chips, sweetened with dates, ensures blood sugar stabilization. Plus, the cacao content in the chocolate contains antioxidants which protect your cells from oxidative stress. To top it off, the peanuts and coconut flakes provide a rich source of heart-healthy fats, fiber, and minerals!
Now that you've got a glimpse of our Date Bark - Snickers Edition, we hope you're as excited as we are to give it a try!
RECIPE:
Ingredients:
- pitted medjool dates
- pure peanut butter (make sure to look for a kind that only has one ingredient: peanuts!)
- peanuts
- 1 full bag of Hu Kitchen (no sugar added) chocolate chips
- Unsweetened shredded coconut
Instructions:
1. Open dates and remove the pits (if you did not buy pre-pitted dates), then press/flatten them down on a parchment-lined baking sheet close together (I used an 8x8 brownie pan)
2. Layer peanut butter along the entire date base
3. Sprinkle peanuts onto peanut butter for that satisfying crunch.
4. Add Hu Kitchen chocolate chips to a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 15 seconds. Stir with a spoon, and then repeat process 2-4 more times until you have a fully melted/smooth chocolate mixture.
4. Pour chocolate mixture evenly over the peanut layer
5. Top with more peanuts and coconut flakes to taste
6. Refrigerate for 1 hour (or freeze for 35 minutes) until the chocolate layer is completely set
7. Cut into even pieces and enjoy!!
Indulging in a treat no longer implies sidelining health. This date bark answers the call of both your sweet tooth and health aspirations. Dive into this delightful creation and remember to share your journey with our community by tagging @docsdaughters. Stay tuned for more mouthwatering, plant-based recipes!
Yours Truly,
