Gluten-free Date Squares

I like to experiment with new recipes for when I want a sweet treat or need an energy boost before exercising. My latest has only three ingredients: dates, nut butter and chocolate and does not involve baking or cooking.

Dates are rich in fibre, iron, potassium, magnesium and antioxidants. Although they contain glucose, sucrose and fructose, they can help balance blood sugar due to their fibre content which slows down digestion. Nut butters contain mono- and poly-unsaturated fats, protective for heart health. They also contain vitamin E, magnesium and fibre. And finally chocolate, preferably a minimum of 70% cocoa content, is full of antioxidants and polyphenols, helping to reduce inflammation.

Ingredients

16 dates

2 tablespoons nut butter of choice

25g chocolate

Method

1. Start by cutting the dates lengthwise taking care not to cut all the way through. Remove the seeds and place the dates close together, cut side up on a piece of parchment paper.

2. Using 2 tablespoons, dollop some nut butter (I had smooth almond and crunchy peanut butter in the cupboard).

3. Break up the chocolate and melt in a bowl over a pan of hot water. Drizzle over the nut butter and place in the fridge for a couple of hours.

4. Once set, cut in small squares and enjoy in moderation.

You can experiment by adding flavouring of your choice, e.g. vanilla extract in the chocolate or sprinkling salt flakes on the melted chocolate. Squares should be kept in the fridge and will keep for up to a couple of weeks, if they last that long!

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