Ingredients

• 1 cup packed medjool dates, pitted and chopped (about 15 dates)
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds, optional
• 1 tablespoon hemp hearts, optional
• 1 tablespoon ground flax seeds 
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, optional
• pinch of sea salt
• 1 1/2 cups rolled oat (I used GF)
• 1 cup unsalted pistachios
• 1 cup dried cranberries or fresh chopped
• 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate or a dark chocolate bar chopped into small pieces, optional

Place dates, maple syrup, chia seeds, hemp hearts, flax seed meal, optional cinnamon and salt in food processor/high speed blender and process until it becomes a paste like consistency. Move date paste to a medium size bowl and add the remainder of the ingredients, mix well.

In a loaf pan or 8x8 pan, lined with parchment paper or greased with coconut oil, spread the mixture evenly to all edges and corners, press down gently but firmly to ensure a compact mixture. Place in fridge for 30 minutes before removing from pan and cutting into bars.

Once chilled, gently remove loaf and place on hard surface. Cut into any size bar you like. If you feel that they are just right for you without baking than your done and can enjoy one right now, if not continue....also, you may decide to try a few bars just to see how it works for you.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place bars on a prepared cookie sheet with either the same parchment paper used to chill or greased, bake for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool completely. I put mine in the fridge to cool as I was being a bit impatient with this extra step but well worth it! It may take an hour or two to completely cool, especially if you used chocolate.

Store in an air tight container or keep in the fridge if you like. Eat within two weeks. If using fresh cranberries it's best to eat within a week. (I highly recommend trying some fresh cranberries, they add a nice tartness with the sweetness of the other ingredients)