Make The Chunky Date Paste

1. Add the dates to a heat-safe bowl and pour enough boiling water to cover them. Let sit for 15 minutes.
2. Drain the water and pit the dates. Take a sharp-tipped knife and slit the dates open, remove the pit (discard the pit), and put the flesh into a food processor.
3. Once all the dates are pitted, process them until they are broken down and create a thicker/chunkier paste. *If need be, add 1-2 Tablespoons of hot water to help break it down.

Make The No Bake Bars

1. Add the honey and peanut butter to a microwave-safe bowl. Pop the bowl in the microwave and heat for a few seconds to melt the peanut butter slightly.
2. To a large bowl, add the oats, pistachios, dried cranberries, chocolate chips, and sea salt. Give them a quick mix. Pour in the melted honey peanut butter mixture and the chunky date paste.
3. Using a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon, mix it all until everything is coated and combined.
4. Line a 9×13” pan with parchment paper and dump the mixture into the pan. Place a piece of parchment paper on top and press the mixture into an even layer. Use a pastry roller to compact the mixture.
5. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours. When you’re ready to cut, remove the meat from the refrigerator, remove it from the pan, and slice it.
6. To serve, wrap each slice in parchment paper* and store the rest in the fridge in an airtight container. Because these are sticky, wrapping each piece in parchment paper makes them easier to store and handle.