News!
I’m excited to be joining Endurance Tap’s team of product Ambassadors again in 2022 – #TeamTap! Expect to hear a little bit more about this great product both here and on my social channels this year!
What is Endurance Tap?
Endurance Tap is an all natural energy “gel” made with ginger, Canadian maple syrup and sea salt. AND it’s made in Canada. I discovered these a few years ago and Endurance Tap has accompanied me on the last three legs of the Camino and countless runs (including my first half marathon!) since.
I love it because it’s natural, goes down easily (no chewing necessary which is great if you are on the go!) and if you mix it with water in the very cold Canadian winters, it doesn’t freeze! It’s PERFECT in lots of ways – both as an energy gel but also as a sweetener – in coffee but also in baking! Also in NO-BAKE goodies!
I’ve made a few no-bake goodies fuelled by Endurance Tap (check out the list at the bottom of this post) – excellent pre or post-run/ workout snacks that consist of nuts/ seeds, dried fruits maybe some chocolate and a little Tap (or maple syrup) and they are surprisingly easy. Today’s recipe is inspired by that classic “need energy quick” spoon of Nutella (amirite?) – chocolate, hazelnuts, dates and Tap. SO easy and SO delicious. Sorry, Nutella!
So, wait, all that stuff just “sticks” together?
Yes it does! If you use a mini food processor (<<<affiliate link but this is one of my favourite kitchen items!) this recipe (and others like it) are a cinch! Note that when you’re making them, there’s a point where you might be thinking “Uh, this mixture is never going to come together!” Just keep on processing and it eventually will. Many of these type of energy bars/ bites don’t use liquid but I find the small amount of maple syrup or Endurance Tap helps you avoid having to soak the dates which can bog the mix down with too much liquid.
So, you don’t soak the dates?
No, if you have SUPER fresh dates, you shouldn’t need to. If your dates are a bit older and not as fresh, you can soak them in a little boiling water before you cut them (so they don’t soak in too much water) while you prepare the nuts. Then drain and pat them dry before you chop them.
No-bake chocolate hazelnut energy squares
Easy no-bake energy bites.
Ingredients
- 140g (1 cup) raw hazelnuts
- 150g (approx. 9 large) dates, pitted and roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or 1x 38g pouch of Endurance Tap
- 90g (1/2 cup) mini semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Line an 8-inch square brownie pan with plastic wrap.
- Preheat the oven to 350˚F (150˚C). Line a small, rimmed baking tray with parchment paper.
- Spread the hazelnuts on the prepared baking tray. Roast the hazelnuts for 10 minutes. You’ll see the skins starting to come away from the nuts.
- Remove the hazelnuts from the oven and immediately place them on a clean tea towel. Let them sit for a few minutes to cool slightly, then wrap them up tightly and rub a hand back and forth against the tea towel to loosen the skins. You might have to do this a few times before most of the skins have detached themselves, so keep peeking inside the tea towel to check. It’s okay if some of the skins remain as long as you have removed most of them.
- Place the hazelnuts in a mini food processor while they are still warm and process until the nuts are roughly chopped (approx. 30 seconds).
- Add the chopped dates and process a further 30-45 seconds until the mixture starts to resemble a paste. You may have to scrape down the bowl of the food processor with a rubber spatula from time to time.
- Add the maple syrup or Endurance Tap and process until the liquid is thoroughly incorporated (approx. 20-30 seconds).
- Add the chocolate chips and continue to process (in short bursts of 5-10 seconds) for approx. 45-60 seconds until the chocolate is fully incorporated.
- Continue to pulse until the mixture starts to clump up against the side of the bowl. Again, you might need to use a rubber spatula to scrape the sides to make sure everything is being processed evenly.
- Tip the mixture into the prepared brownie pan and use your fingers to press it into the pan tightly and evenly. You might like to use the back of a large plastic spatula to press the mixture on top so it's even.
- Cover with the overhanging plastic and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Remove from the pan and plastic and cut into squares.
- Store in airtight containers in the fridge.
Notes
If you have SUPER fresh dates, you shouldn't need to. If your dates are a bit older and not as fresh, you can soak them in a little boiling water before you cut them (so they don't soak in too much water) while you prepare the nuts. Then drain and pat them dry before you chop them.
Recommended Products
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Result? These were exactly how I wanted them to turn out – not too sweet and the small size is perfect for pre or post run/ workout. They would even fit in my hydration bottle carrier which has a small pouch on the outside for keys. credit cards etc.. A lot of runners run with dates as fuel for long runs, these would be perfect!
How long do they last?
They keep in an airtight container in the fridge for at least a week so make a batch on the weekend for weekday snacks. Great for breakfast on the go, too!
Treats made with all-natural Endurance Tap! Easy no-bake chocolate energy bites. Naturally sweetened with dates and maple syrup. Easy no-bake energy bites. Tastes just like cookies, great for breakfast or snacks on the go!Other Endurance Tap fuelled goodies!
No-bake chocolate energy bites
No bake oatmeal chocolate chip energy bites
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Disclosure: As a member of #TeamTap 2022, I receive product discounts in exchange for promoting Endurance Tap. I have not been further compensated for recipe development or writing this post. All opinions 100% my own.
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Please note: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. This means that if you click over and purchase something, I will receive a very small percentage of the purchase price (at no extra cost to you). Thank you in advance!
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Maple syrup, salt and ginger? It’s hard to imagine as a taste…but they look nice. When I’m in Canada next, you can make me some.
The Tap really just tastes like maple syrup and these squares taste like dates! No salt involved! And I’d LOVE to make these for you – in Canada or France!