The ultimate chocolate + date raw energy bars

This has been (like most summers around here) an ultimate summer, with lots of weeknight ultimate frisbee games and weekend tournaments. A few weeks ago, Mark's team, Glide, competed at Regionals in Kingston for a spot at Nationals in Vancouver. Not only did they qualify (WOOT!), but they ranked 4th (of 15) at the end of the weekend. So Glide is west-bound again to compete at Nats! And for athleticism of this caliber, you need good fuel. Enter, homemade energy bars. Sure, you could buy them, but it's cheaper to make your own, plus it's nice to know exactly what's in them, and trust me, these are delicious!

(And at the most recent ultimate tournament, No Borders, Glide fought hard and placed 2nd overall! An awesome achievement!)

Chocolate & Date Raw Energy Bars
Recipe by Shumaila, The Novice Housewife

12 medjool dates, pitted
½ cup raw almonds
½ cup raw hazelnuts
2 tbsp chia seeds
¼ tsp sea salt
¼ cup raw cacao powder
¼ cup raw pumpkin seeds
¼ cup unsweetened dessicated coconut

1. In a food processor, pulse the dates until well chopped and begin to form a ball.
2. Add in the almonds and hazelnuts and pulse until finely chopped with some larger pieces remaining.
3. Add the chia seeds, coconut, salt and cacao powder and process until well combined.
4. Scrape mixture into medium bowl and, with damp hands, press into a ball.
5. Turn ball out onto a piece of parchment paper, cover with a second piece of parchment, and press into a rough rectangle shape to desired thickness.
6. Lift the parchment, sprinkle with sea salt, pumpkin seeds, cocoa nibs, or any other toppings you want. Give another quick roll with the rolling pin to press the toppings into place.
7. Remove top piece of parchment and using a knife or pizza cutter, slice into pieces.
8. Wrap with a rectangle of parchment and tape or tie to seal.

An on a (marginally) related note, here's the logo I designed this year for the team Mark and I play on, the Killer Bunnies! (You'll remember this is the very same team that were the champions of the 7th tier of the Tuesday Night League a couple of years back.)