cocoa hemp hearts bites

 I somehow convinced myself to get a very large bag of hemp hearts at Costco, and I need to use them up.  So, this recipe for cocoa hemp hearts bites caught my attention.  They're quite tasty, especially with the cocoa doubled and adding some vanilla and salt.  I like the coconut taste and texture, and the peanut butter is there but not overwhelming.  I made about 26 of them, which I'll freeze and take out from time to time to keep a stash in the fridge when I'm wanting a treat.  

Cocoa Hemp Heart Bites

1/2 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup hemp hearts

10 - 12 pitted dates

1/2 cup flaked or shredded coconut

1/4 cup cocoa powder

1/2 tsp vanilla

a bit of salt if the nut butter is unsalted

1 cup peanut butter (or alternate nut butter) 

Using a food processor or heavy duty blender, blend together the oats, hemp hearts, coconut, and cocoa.  Next add the dates, vanilla, and salt, pulsing until they break down. Add the peanut butter and pulse until well incorporated.  You should end up with a thick dough.

 

Roll the dough into small balls (bites!), and freeze or refrigerate.