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Choco Crispy Squares

What is it about cereal squares that kids love so much?

That is not a rhetorical question.  I never ate them as a kid. 

But my kids adore them.

Problem is, they are either full of junk (sugar, sugar and more sugar) or made with nut butters, which means they can't go to school or daycare or virtually any public space for kids.

My solution was to come up with these babies.  Healthy AND yummy is always the best outcome.  No compromise required.  In fact, these treats are gluten free, nut free and vegan, so they can accomodate most dietary restrictions.

Choco Crispy Squares

375g pitted dates
2 cups water
1/4 cup xylitol (or other granular sweetener: coconut sugar, Splenda, stevia, etc.)
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbls coconut oil
340g (about 10 cups) brown rice crisp cereal

Place dates in a large pot over medium heat with 1 cup of water.  Simmer until dates are soft.  Add remaining cup of water and puree in pot with immersion blender, or let cool and then transfer to food processor and puree mixture and return it to pot when done.

Whisk in xylitol, cocoa powder, vanilla and oil.  Once oil is melted and mixture is well combined, remove pot from heat.  Stir in cereal.  Line 2 8x8 square pans with wax paper.   Divide mixture evenly between pans and press down well into each pan.  Place in the fridge until firm.  Cut into squares.  Keep in an airtight container and refridgerate.  Makes 32 squares.

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