My mind is open, my palette is sated. Vegan cooking has changed my perspective on the food I eat, where it comes from, and how the choices I make affect the environment. Check back weekly for my take on life as a zero waste vegan. Sharing recipes, experiments and other DIY ideas. 

These really should be called Maple Nut bars, because Peanut Butter Chocolate bars just doesn’t do them justice.

Mine

Lexy’s

I stumbled upon this recipe while searching Instagram in January. I did what I often do, which is take a screen shot that was inevitably lost in a sea (or in this case hard drive) of mostly unnecessary, cloud-clogging pictures. Last week, probably due to boredom, I took a stab at a few random folders entitled “iPhone + [date of transfer]” and discovered a screen shot of this recipe from @lexy_bow17‘s profile. In her own words, “I made this up so amounts are…just eyeballed.” I made this as written by Lexy (All credit goes to her on this one!), then ended up doubling the top layer because I like/need/want all things chocolate. The recipe in this post reflects my desire for a thicker top layer!

Ingredients:
Bottom Layer:
1 cup raw cashews
1/2 cup raw walnuts
1/2 cup raw peanuts
5 or 6 medjool dates
1 tablespoon maple syrup

Top Layer:
1/2 cup coconut oil
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1/4 cup maple syrup
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Equipment needed:
Food processor or blender
Stove top
8″ or 9″ square or round casserole dish

::Before you begin, soak the dates in water for at least an hour. Pat them dry when read to use.::

For the bottom layer, use a food processor to turn the nuts in a breadcrumb-like consistency. I used a blender, which wasn’t as effective, but still worked. Add syrups and dates until it forms a sticky ball. Taste it for to test for sweetness.

For the top layer, gently heat coconut oil, cocoa powder, maple syrup and vanilla in saucepan. Do not overheat. Once melted, remove from heat, mix it up, then pour it over the bottom layer. Cover, then place in freezer until chilled. Keep it in the fridge after that. There are an easy and delicious treat. Enjoy!

Tips for making this a zero waste treat:

• buy nuts in bulk with reusable cloth bags
• for the maple syrup, choose a brand that comes in glass instead of plastic