Halloween Candy Makeover

For the next Halloween recipe in my Treat-a-thon series, I am going to make healthier version of Rolo caramels. Instead of making a traditional caramel, I processed Medjool dates into a caramel with a touch of nut butter. I really had no idea how close I could get the flavour, but I figured it was worth a shot.

Well let me tell you, we couldn’t believe how much these taste like Rollo caramels (only better of course because they are homemade). They don’t call dates “nature’s candy” for no reason!

Homemade Roles with just 5 ingredients! Vegan, gluten-free, and they taste just like the real thing

Ingredients (18 bites)

for the caramel

• 200 grams pitted soft Medjool dates (about 11 large)
• 1/2 tbsp. peanut butter (or other nut or seed butter)
• pinch of fine grain sea salt

for the chocolate coating

• scant 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
• 1 tsp coconut oil

 for garnish

• chia seeds (optional)

 Instructions

• 1. [Note: You want to use very soft Medjool dates. If yours are firm, soak in water to soften before using. Be sure to drain well.] Process pitted dates in food processor until a sticky paste forms. Now, add in the nut or seed butter along with a pinch of fine grain sea salt. Process until combined. The mixture will be SUPER sticky, but this is a good thing!
• 2. Scoop out the sticky mixture into a bowl and freeze for about 10 minutes. Chilling it makes the caramel easier to shape into balls. After chilling, lightly wet your fingers and shape caramel into small balls to make about 18 balls total.
• 3. Place balls back into the freezer for another 10 minutes on a parchment lined plate. Meanwhile, melt chocolate chips along with 1 teaspoon coconut oil on the stove top over low heat. When 2/3 of the chips are melted, remove from heat and stir until everything is melted.
• 4. Remove balls from freezer and dunk each ball into the melted chocolate, one at a time. Roll around to coat. Tap off excess chocolate and place back onto parchment-lined plate. Sprinkle with chia seeds (optional) and stick a toothpick into each. Repeat for the rest.
• 5. Freeze again for at least 20 minutes until set. Bites taste best straight from the freezer and will soften (but will not melt) at room temperature.