Lara/Maya Bars

• 2/3 cup walnuts
• 1 cup packed, pitted dates (about 24)
• 2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, preferably Dutch-processed
• 2 Tbsp cacao nibs or finely chopped dark chocolate

1. Toast the walnuts in a preheated 325F oven for 15 min., or until browned and fragrant. Stir the nuts half way through baking.
2. In a food processor, pulse the walnuts until they are pebble sized pieces. Set aside in a medium bowl.
3. Place the dates in the processor and pulse until coarsely chopped. Process until they're smooth and form a ball around the blade. (At first, you will get lots of sticky pieces.) Add the cocoa and process until smooth.
4. In a bowl, knead the date mixture with the walnuts and cacao nibs until they stick together. If the mixture is too sticky, add more nuts or cacao nibs. If too dry, add a couple teaspoons of water.
5. On a cutting board lined with plastic wrap, shape the mixture into a long 1"-wide rectangle. Slice pieces with a sharp knife. Or, roll into 1" balls. Store leftovers in the fridge.

walnuts, dates, cocoa, cacao

Taken from www.epicurious.com/recipes/member/views/lara-maya-bars-1245736 (may not work)