Here’s a side note before I get into the chocolate goodness treat of the day – we are going through a fun revamp right now behind the scenes. All good, and really exciting news for our blog and business – it’s just taking all our non-existing free time, so thanks for hanging with us, and our lack of posts.

Now, back to food.

So, I thought I ate moderately healthy. As I learn more, I continue to eat healthier and I really try, but I have my good and bad days {the ones where I just want cheese, fries and cinnamon bears}. But, my neighbor {who’s fantastic} eats super healthy. I love it because she always surprises me with her yummy recipes and their ‘vegan’ ingredients. She made me some Fudge Babies for Christmas, and I couldn’t stop eating them…and now I can’t stop re-creating them for myself.

I’ve revamped the recipe from Chocolate Covered Katie and make it weekly. It’s so easy – 6 ingredients, no-bake, dairy-free and gluten-free! Don’t get me wrong – dates still have sugar, but its not refined sugar. And, this makes the perfect treat that satisfies my cravings. My kids LOVE, LOVE them too – I make them some without espresso.

I couldn’t resist shaping them into hearts with the upcoming Valentine’s Day holiday.

Espresso and Chocolate Bites
Recipe adapted from Chocolate Covered Katie

Ingredients
1 cup walnuts
1.5 cups pitted dates {if the mixture feels too dry and doesn’t ‘stick’ together well, add more dates, up to 1 and ¾ cups pitted dates total}
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. ground espresso
A dash of sea salt
4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

How To
Blend all the ingredients together using a blender or food processor.
Line a loaf pan or small Pyrex with wax paper {this recipe fills a loaf pan and makes semi-thick bars. If you choose to use a small Pyrex, smaller than 9×13, it will fill about ¾ of it}.
Pour blended mixture into pan and press until flat with a spoon or spatula. It should be about 2 inches in thickness.
Cover with the sides of the wax paper and place in the freezer {it’s best when refrigerated or fresh out of the freezer}.
If you want to get festive like I did, use a heart shaped cookie cutter once the blended dates have been in freezer at least 2-3 hours. And, top with a toothpick decorated with a DIY washy tape flag.
Note: If you want to serve these for a party, make them ahead of time, and use your cookie cutter to shape them. Then place in freezer safe bag or container, and then bust them out once its time for desert.

Enjoy! It’s such a treat. I hope you make for a loved one this Valentine’s Day.

{images via Tutto Bella}