Ramadan Chocolate Date Bars

To the almost 2 billion Muslims out there, I wish you all a blessed Ramadan! This is the holy month where Muslims around the world abstain from food, drink, smoking and sexual relations from sunrise to sundown.

However, as soon as the sun sets, people get their grub on! I find this dessert a festive treat because the dates provide lots of energy after a long day of not eating.

I learned this delicious NO BAKE, dairy-free dessert from my mother in law. I'm not sure who she got the recipe from, but it is a cross between the Middle Eastern culture (dates) and the American culture (cereal)...however, the ground cardamom pushes it over to the Middle Eastern side ;-)

This freezes extremely well, just make sure to seal it tightly. I really enjoy making this and having it around because it is quick to put together for last minute guests, and it will last for quite a while in the refrigerator.

Dates are an excellent source of fiber and potassium, and their natural sugars give a boost of energy. This means you can enjoy them guilt free :)

Ingredients
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-3 tablespoons butter
-13 ounce baking dates (pitted and pureed)
-4 cups crushed Honey Bunches of Oats (or corn flakes) cereal
-1 teaspoon ground cardamom
-1/2 cup shredded coconut
-1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
-1 teaspoon oil

Assembly
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-Melt the butter in a saucepan and add pitted dates. Stir in crushed cereal and ground cardamom. Use your hands (I recommend wearing disposable gloves) and mash the mixture together until everything is well incorporated.
-Butter a 9x13 inch pan and then spread date mixture evenly into the pan. Smooth out the top with the palm of your hand, then sprinkle the coconut evenly over the date mixture.
-Melt chocolate and oil for 30 seconds, then stir until all the chocolate is melted. Spread over the date mixture and refrigerate until the chocolate has set, at least 30 minutes.
-Cut into 1/2 inch x 1 inch thick rows or any desired shape.
-Enjoy :)