No-Bake Lemon Energy Bars

Ingredients

• 1 cup raw almonds (140 g)
• 1 cup raw cashews (140 g )
• 2 cups packed pitted soft dates (400 g )
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 tsp fresh lemon zest
• 1/4 tsp salt ( optional)

Instructions

1. Blend nuts.
2. Place the nuts in a food processor process until broken down. They should resembled a coarse, grainy flour but a few larger chunks left behind are ok.
3. Blend dough.
4. Add dates, lemon and sea salt and blend into a thick, sticky dough you can press between your fingers. If it's not sticking together, add 1 tbsp of warm water and blend again.
5. Line pan.
6. Line a 7-8 inch square baking dish or pan with two strips of parchment paper so they hang out the sides of the pan. This will help you easily lift the bars out once they're done.
7. Press dough into pan.
8. Firmly press the dough into the pan, taking time to really work it in and flatten it into all the corners. Alternatively, roll the dough into balls.
9. Chill then slice.
10. Optional to place the bars or balls into the freezer for 30 minutes so they're firmer and easier to slice. Lift out of the pan and slice into 8 large bars or 16 squares.