Mint Chocolate Bites

I recently found these at the grocery store and was intrigued.  I tried one when I got in my car, another once my seatbelt was on, another at the first red light, another once I made it up my stairs, and about five more after they had chilled in the freezer.  Verdict?  They’re pretty dang delicious.  So, I wanted to see if I could make them at home. 

I’m often asked about my recipe-testing process.  When I recreate something, like these Larabar Bites, I first check the ingredient list.  If it’s all stuff I can buy at the store, then it’s worth trying.  If it isn’t, the item is probably filled with preservatives, chemicals, and junk, and not worth recreating.

Next, I check the order of ingredients.  Ingredients are listed in order of prevalence.  With this recipe, there has to be enough “wet” and “sticky”—dates, peppermint oil, water—to hold the dry ingredients—almond meal, coconut flour, cocoa, chocolate—together without baking.

Then, it’s play time.  Although this experiment came together quickly, it often takes a little trial and error.  The homemade version of this sweet treat is even better than the original.  If you’re not a mint-chocolate person, try orange or raspberry extract instead of mint.

(P.S. Pop these in mini metallic cupcake liners and snuggle them into a box for the cutest stocking stuffer!)

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Food La La Recipe:  Larabar Mint Chocolate Bites

Yields: 30-35 bites

Ingredients:

• 2 cups almond meal
• 10 medjool dates, pitted
• ¼ cup coconut flour
• ¼ cup cocoa powder
• ¼ tsp kosher salt
• 10 drops peppermint oil
• ¾ cup dark chocolate chips
• 2 tbsp water

Steps:

1. In a food processor, combine almond meal, dates, coconut flour, cocoa, salt and blend for about 2 minutes.
2. Add peppermint oil, water and chocolate chips.  Process until dough-like consistency.
3. Using your hands, press mixture into balls.

 

 

Psst!  A few recipe notes:

• Optional: roll finished balls in coconut flour after step 3.
• Store airtight in freezer.
• Don’t overdo the peppermint oil!  Get a high quality extract, and be sure to use no more than 10 drops because it’s so strong.