Wendy’s Wunderbars
Makes 16 bars | Prep Time 25 minutes | Cook Time 1 hour for chilling
My friend Wendy and I talked about developing a decadent energy bar about as far removed from one of those common cardboard energy bars as we could imagine. But despite its out of the world flavor, this bar isn’t a nutritional nightmare. Dark chocolate, pistachios, almonds, and dates are all healthful in moderation. When you want energy without missing a beat, this bar is the way to go.
Instructions
Line an 8-inch square pan with two pieces of waxed paper long enough to overlap on all four sides. Lightly oil the waxed paper, then line the bottom with another piece. Put the chocolate in a heatproof bowl and set over a saucepan of simmering water. Heat, stirring often, just until the chocolate is melted and smooth. Remove from the heat.
Put the pistachios and almonds in food processor and pulse three or four times to coarsely chop. Add the dates, melted chocolate, vanilla, and salt. Pulse until the ingredients begin to hold together, almost like dough. Add the cherries and pulse a few more times, until the cherries are coarsely chopped and evenly distributed. Transfer to the prepared pan and press in an even layer using your hands. Smooth the top with a spatula. Cover with a piece of parchment or waxed paper and chill until firm, about 1 hour.
Remove from the pan by lifting the edges of the waxed paper, and place on a cutting board, still atop the waxed paper. Using an oiled knife to prevent sticking, cut into 16 squares. Put the bars in a container, with waxed paper between the layers if stacked, or wrap the bars individually in foil. Store in the refrigerator or freezer. Warm to room temperature before eating.
VARIATIONS: Substitute unsweetened dried cranberries for the dried cherries.
PER SERVING: Calories: 368; Total Fat: 25 g (6 g saturated, 15 g monounsaturated); Carbohydrates: 12 g; Protein: 26 g; Fiber: 3 g; sodium: 264 mg
STORAGE: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or tightly wrapped in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Reprinted with permission from The Cancer-Fighting Kitchen: Nourishing, Big-Flavor Recipes for Cancer Treatment and Recovery. Copyright © 2009, 2017 by Rebecca Katz with Mat Edelson, Ten Speed Press, a division of the Crown Publishing Group, Berkeley, CA
Ingredients
2 oz. dark chocolate (60 to 72% cacao content), finely chopped
1 oz. unsweetened baking chocolate, finely chopped
⅓ c. shelled pistachios
⅓ c. almonds, toasted
8 oz. Medjool dates, halved and pitted
½ tsp. vanilla extract
⅛ tsp. sea salt
⅓ c. dried cherries