Raw Lemon and Poppy Seed Treat (gluten free/vegan)

Makes 10
Recipe from Good Eatings
Husband-Tested in Alice’s Kitchen

You know how it is at holiday time, candy and cookies galore.  I wanted to make a treat, but a more healthful one.  This must be made in advance because it requires freezer time.  These can be made into sticks, cubes, or even balls.  They taste lemony with the sweetness of dates.

1 cup raw cashews
½ cup shredded coconut 
Pinch of salt
1 small lemon, zest and juice
¾ cup pitted sticky dates
1 Tablespoon cashew butter
2 teaspoons poppy seeds

Pulse cashews, coconut, salt and lemon zest into a fine gravel consistency in a food processor with an S-blade.
Add the lemon zest and juice, starting with half the lemon juice.  Add the dates, and process on auto until almost completely combined.
Taste and adjust the lemon flavor by adding more lemon juice if you would like it more tart.  Also, add the poppy seeds and then process on auto until completely combined.  The mixture should stick together like a ball in the processor with ready.
Line a bread tin* with parchment paper so that there’s an overhand on the long ends and press the mixture into the tin using the back of a spoon or spatula.  (You can also simply roll the mixture into balls if you prefer.) Place the tin in the freezer for at least three hours or until you are ready to eat.
Slice it into fingers or cut it into cubes and enjoy.

*I doubled the recipe and lined an 8” X 8” baking pan with parchment paper.

Nutritional Information: (1 of 10 servings) 265 calories; 20.3 g fat; 4.4 g saturated fat; 0 cholesterol; 3885 mg sodium; 18.1 g carbohydrates; 3.8 g fiber; 8.6 g sugars; 7.4 g protein; 303 mg calcium; 6 mg iron; 333 mg potassium