Chef John'S Chocolate Energy Bars

• 2 cups pitted Medjool dates, roughly chopped
• 2 cups raw cashews
• 1 cup raw or roasted unsalted almonds
• 3/4 cup high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder (such as Guittard(R) Cocoa Rouge)
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
• 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon cold espresso, or more as needed (or water)
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 pinch cayenne pepper

1. Place cashews, almonds, coconut, dates, cocoa, coconut oil, vanilla, cold coffee, cayenne and salt in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse on and off to start. Process about 1 minute; check to ensure mixture is sticky and moist enough to stick together. Add more coffee if needed. Continue to process until mixture becomes a chunky mass.
2. Line a baking pan with plastic wrap. Scoop mixture into pan. Press down with a spatula until mixture is even. Place a layer of plastic wrap on the surface and smooth again with your hands.
3. Refrigerate until cold and firm, 2 or 3 hours.
4. Remove from the pan and unwrap. Cut into bars of your preferred size. Store in a zip top back in the refrigerator.

dates, cashews, almonds, cocoa, coconut oil, coconut, vanilla, cold espresso, kosher salt, cayenne pepper

Taken from www.allrecipes.com/recipe/254452/chef-johns-chocolate-energy-bars/ (may not work)