![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.loveforhealthyfood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/DSC_0060-750x500.jpg\")
<\/p>\nPop one of these sweet and salty almond butter date caramels \u00a0out of the freezer next time you want something sweet. They\u2019re made with simple ingredients and are primarily sweetened with fruit, so both your taste buds and waistline will thank you.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Benefits:<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Almonds \/ Almond Butter:<\/b> Almonds are an excellent source of Vitamin E, which supports skin, eye, cardiac, and immune system health. Additionally, as a great source of plant-based protein and healthy fat, they help keep you satiated, and may even help you lose more weight.<\/p>\n Dates:<\/b> Full of minerals and fiber, dates support the digestive system. They are excellent choice to sweeten desserts over refined sugar, as they have a lower glycemic load.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Dark Chocolate:<\/b> The primary issue with chocolate is the amount of sugar most typical chocolate bars contains. But, if you choose one with a high cocoa\/cacao content (over 85%) and one sweetened with dates, monk fruit, or stevia, you can avoid refined sugar. Coconut sugar is another better option, as has a lower glycemic load than regular white sugar.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s the recipe:<\/p>\n Sweet & Salty Almond Butter Date Caramels<\/b><\/p>\n Ingredients:<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n DATE CARAMEL<\/p>\n 15 dates, pitted, soaked in hot water 10-15 minutes.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00bd tsp vanilla extract<\/p>\n pinch of salt<\/p>\n BANANA ALMOND CENTER<\/span><\/p>\n 2 medium bananas, peeled<\/p>\n 1\/3 cup organic almond butter<\/p>\n TOPPING<\/p>\n 4.5 oz. dark chocolate<\/p>\n almonds, chopped finely<\/p>\n Course ground pink salt<\/p>\n Instructions:<\/i><\/p>\n First, make the date caramel. To a bullet blender, add 2 teaspoons of the date soaking water plus the dates (you can drain the rest of the water). Add the vanilla and salt, too. Blend until a paste forms. Set aside.<\/p>\n Slice bananas into 1\/4 inch \u2013 thick slices, and lay flat on a small, parchment lined baking sheet. To each slice, add a dollop of almond butter (about 1\/2 teaspoon) to cover the top. Then add a scoop of the date caramel (about 1\/2-1 tsp).<\/p>\n Once all bananas slices are topped, place the sheet in the freezer for 1 hour.<\/p>\n A few minutes before you\u2019re ready to take the banana slices out of the freezer, heat a double boiler and melt the chocolate.<\/p>\n Remove the slices from the the freezer, and carefully dip each into the chocolate and coat completely. Tap off excess, and return to the baking sheet.<\/p>\n Immediately sprinkle with chopped almonds and salt, before the chocolate hardens. Repeat with remaining slices.<\/p>\n Put in the freezer to set another hour.<\/p>\n When ready to serve, let sit room temperature for 5-10 minutes.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Pop one of these sweet and salty almond butter date caramels \u00a0out of the freezer next time you want something sweet. They\u2019re made with simple ingredients and are primarily sweetened with fruit, so both your taste buds and waistline will thank you. Benefits: Almonds \/ Almond Butter: Almonds are an excellent source of Vitamin E,… <\/p>\n