Almond Vanilla Chocolate Chip Bites

Almonds, vanilla and chocolate together...need I say any more. These are a nice easy treat anytime of day and meant to be enjoyed freely. Almonds are the most alkalizing nut, the more alkaline you eat the better. An alkaline (vs. acidic) system will help keep your system functioning at its peak! Almonds are also balancing, very nourishing, and contain high levels of potassium and vitamin E. In fact, nine almonds contain all the vitamin E you need for the day. Healthy meets delicious in these raw no-bake bites.

 Almond Vanilla Chocolate Chip Bites

Ingredients

• 1 cup almonds
• 1/2 cup oats (I use GF)
• 3 tablespoons almond butter
• 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup or agave
• 6 medjool dates, pitted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 vanilla bean, slit lengthwise and seeded
• 2 tablespoons water, + plus more as needed
• pinch of mineral salt
• 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips, cacao or carob nibs, or raw chocolate

Place all ingredients in food processor except for chocolate chips. Blend, scrapping down the sides as needed, until combined. (I like to leave mine a little on the chunky side). Add 1 or 2 tablespoons more water as needed. Remove mixture and place in a medium size bowl, mix in the chocolate chips. Refrigerate for about 20 minutes, it will help the mixture stiffen a bit making it easier to handle. Roll into 1 inch balls or flatten like a cookie. If forming them into balls you may like to roll them in cacao powder, cinnamon or shredded coconut. I've done all three and all were great ! Makes approx. 12 - 18, depending on if your rolling or forming cookie shapes.

Store in fridge and enjoy within a few weeks. They also freeze well.

Optional add ins:
1/4 cup shredded coconut flakes
1/2 teaspoon or so of cinnamon

Enjoy !