These protein bars are simple to make, are naturally sweetened with dates and have a small amount of peppermint extract to give a yummy chocolate mint flavour.

Ingredients

• 1 cup medjool date (packed, pitted, approx 12)

• 2 tbsps cacao powder

• 1/2 cup chocolate protein powder

• 1/4 tsp fine sea salt (or to taste)

• ¼ cup almond milk (use as much as is needed to get the mixture to a sticky consistency)

• 1/2 tsp peppermint extract (or to taste)

• 1/2 cup almond meal

Line a square cake tin with two pieces of baking paper, one going each way. Set aside. In a food processor, process the pitted dates until chopped and sticky.

Add in the cocoa powder, protein powder, salt, peppermint extract, and almond milk. Process until combined, scraping down the side of the bowl as needed.

Finally, add in the almond meal and pulse until combined and sticky. It should be sticky enough to easily make a ball.

Place the mixture into the prepared cake tin and press into the pan with slightly wet fingers. If the mixture remains sticky add a sprinkle of protein powder on top and press mixture into pan. Cover with a piece of baking paper and roll out smooth with a pastry roller.

Freeze for about 15 minutes or until set. Slice into 6 rows and then slice rows in half to make 12 small bars.