I know, if you look at recipes online, and look for healthy snacks you'll have seen a myriad of energy ball type recipes. I've done one as well! But I thought that a slightly indulgent recovery bar was needed. To eat post ride, with a cup of tea before rushing out to do whatever it is you need to do next!

Ingredients

150g of chopped dates

200g of walnuts

1 tablespoon of coconut oil (never mind the hype about it, it just tastes nice!)

100 g of dark chocolate (70% plus cocoa)

75 g of natural peanut butter (or any nut butter)

2 teaspoons of vanilla extract

1 desert spoon of ground coffee

sea salt

Line a 20 x 15 cm loaf tin with greaseproof paper so that the paper overhangs on the long side (this makes it easy to lift the bars out)

In a food processor combine the dates, walnuts, vanilla, and salt with steady pulses until it starts to clump together. Take it out and press it down on to greaseproof paper so that you form a square approximately 20 cm each side. The mixture should be quite thin. The mixture can be pressed down with your fingers/hands. Put in the fridge to firm the mixture for 20 to 30-mins. 

Using a bain marie melt the chocolate, with the coconut oil, and coffee. Do not let the chocolate burn. 
Halve the date/nut mixture and put one half into the loaf tin. Pour over half the chocolate mixture and ensure an even coating. Put in the fridge for 10 to 15-mins until the chocolate starts to set.

Press the remaining date/nut mixture on to the just set chocolate. Pour over the remaining chocolate. Sprinkle the chocolate with some crushed sea salt, and firm in the fridge for a couple of hours.

Remove from the fridge for about 10-mins and then cut into fingers. Store in the fridge, and enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee after a ride!