Date & Coconut Squares

I’m constantly looking for healthy treats to serve up at play dates, as an energy boosting snack or something for little fingers to hold on-the-go. Most importantly, I want ideas that are easy to make and won’t have me slaving away in the kitchen for hours.

What I love about this recipe is that it includes a mix of super healthy ingredients, delicious flavour, and it packs a powerful punch of antioxidants and good fats for growing little people.

Apart from toasting the coconut, this recipe includes no other cooking – simply pop them into the refrigerator and you’re done! I have opted to toast the coconut as it adds a delicious taste to this recipe although the recipe still works without this step.

You could choose to roll this mixture into balls or you can cut them into squares like I have done in this recipe. You can opt for any sugar-free nut butter and if your child is younger than one, leave the honey out – the result will be equally delicious.

What you’ll need:

• 2 cups desiccated coconut
• 2 cups pitted dates
• 1 cup cashews
• 1/4 cup sugar-free nut butter
• 1/4 cup goji berries
• 1 Tbs cocoa powder
• 1 Tbs cinnamon
• 1 Tbs honey
• 1/4 cup water (for mixing)

Method:

• Toast the desiccated coconut on a baking tray in the oven for five minutes at 180°C, until golden brown (keeping an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t burn).
• Combine all the ingredients, expect the water, in a food processor. Turn the speed on high and process until well mixed and there is no sign of large pieces (you want to make sure that you don’t have big pieces of nuts, which could be a choking hazard for your child). While you process the mixture, add little amounts of the water at a time to assist with the mixing (and to create a gooey texture).
• Transfer the mixture onto a medium-sized square dish/baking tin, lined with wax paper and then push it down with your hands to pack the mixture in densely.
• Pop the dish into the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
• Using a sharp knife, cut the mixture into squares.
• These treats can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator or the freezer. If storing in the refrigerator, use within two weeks.

*The above recipe will need to be adapted should your child have an allergy to any of the ingredients mentioned.

*Never leave your child unsupervised while eating.