Chewy Chocolate Almond Candy Bars Bites

Makes 16-18 Bites

2 cups whole raw almonds
16 pitted Medjool dates (don’t settle for other smaller types of dates)
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
¾ cup chocolate chips
2 tablespoons unsweetened almond, soy or coconut milk
¼ teaspoon sea salt

In a food processor, pulse almonds until roughly chopped. Place half of the mixture in a small bowl and set aside. Finely chop remaining almond mixture in the food processor until finely ground (but not yet almond butter!). Add dates and vanilla extract and process until well combined. With a spatula, scrape down sides of food processor if needed and continue processing until mixture holds together when gently squeezed between your fingers.

Using your hands, knead date mixture into reserved chopped almonds. On a piece of parchment paper, pat mixture into a 3×12-inch rectangle and chill for an hour or until firm.

Cut rectangle into eight 1½x3-inch bars or 16-18 2×2-inch bites. In a glass bowl, combine chocolate chips and non-dairy milk. Microwave for 30 seconds, or until chips begin to melt. Stir until smooth and drizzle or smooth evenly over each bar and sprinkle lightly with sea salt. Chill in refrigerator until chocolate is set before serving. Cut into small bite-sized squares. Store leftovers in an airtight container.  Enjoy!