Peanut Butter Pecan Date Bites

When I was growing up I had a 12-pound cyst (you read that right - twelve pounds!!!!) growing on the outside of one of my ovaries that we didn't know about. I was slightly chubby, so it didn't become really obvious until I was in my mid teens. I worked at a gym as the receptionist when I was 15-18, so I tried almost every diet known to man as well as exercised like crazy. It seemed like the more I exercised the more my belly grew! It makes sense now because the more I lost weight elsewhere the more my stomach was emphasized.

Due to my countless diets and weight-consciousness, I can't stand diets and love to have some kind of treat every day. It's almost like a reassurance to myself. It also keeps me from bingeing. I've tried going on diets since my cyst removal and I just end up eating twice as much! The less I diet the healthier and more balanced I seem to be.

These date-bites (can also be used as a Lara-Bar recipe) are the perfect treat. They are easy-peasy and take about 8 minutes to make (once you've made them a couple times). My husband and son LOVE them.



Peanut Butter Pecan Date Bites
2 cups pitted dates
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup pecans

Yummy dough!!  It's at this point that I have
to hurry to shape it before my toddler eats it all!!  :)

In food processor (or Vitamix), combine dates, peanut butter and pecans. Pulse a couple times until just blended and texture resembles course meal (using my Vitamix I keep it at level 2 and use the Vitamix tamper to keep the dough from getting jammed). DO NOT OVER-MIX! If you do, the dough will seem greasy.

Scape out the meal on to a large piece of parchment paper and shape into 1-inch balls (or, you can use a spatula to shape into a square and cut into bars like "LaraBars"). Makes approximately 14 balls.

Keep in an airtight container.

These are good for about 5 days, but are best in the first 2 (if they are not consumed first!!).