A basic bar recipe that yields ten naturally sweet, filling snacks for a pittance! Made primarily from dates they're dairy-free and low in fat and sodium, with no added sugar.

Serves 10

• 2/3 cup chopped pitted dates, divided
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/4 cups quick-cooking oats
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon plus 1/8 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/8 teaspoon sea salt

1. Preheat oven to 375°F and grease an 8 x 8-inch baking pan. In a blender, combine 1/3 cup of the dates and water; blend until very smooth. Add egg and blend just until combined. In a medium bowl, combine oats, flour, cinnamon, baking powder and salt and whisk until combined. Add date-and-water mixture and remaining 1/3 cup chopped dates; stir until moistened.
2. Scrape into prepared pan, level the top with a spatula, and bake until firm and lightly browned around the edges, about 17 minutes. Cool in the pan and cut into 10 bars. Bars keep in an airtight container for about a week. They can also be individually wrapped and frozen until ready to eat; allow about 2 hours for them to thaw.