Date and Apricot Healthy Hearts

Wanted to make valentine treats. No-bake,no added sugar always appeals to me. Vegan and gluten free treat would be a bonus. Also, raw and natural with no additives.

(Find more info on organic and natural descriptions at http://soakmymind.com/2015/12/14/what-are-natural-flavors/)

Had dried  Turkish apricots in my pantry and I combined them with dates and nuts to make these healthy hearts. Also, these apricots are slightly sour and they tone down the sweetness of the dates.

In winter or cold weather conditions, the nerve insulation called myelin sheath needs healthy fat to regenerate themselves. Coconut oil does the job.
Pumpkin seeds are a good protein source, hence included them in the recipe.

1/2 cup seedless organic dates
1/2 cup organic dried Turkish apricots
2 tbsp dry roasted organic pumpkin seeds
1/8 cup dry roasted almonds
1/8 cup slightly toasted pecans
1/8 cup coarsely chopped and roasted pistachio
1 tbsp organic virgin coconut oil
1 tsp organic vanilla extract
1/4 tsp natural sea salt


(Will be a good idea to add few dried cranberries too.)
Grind the almonds,few pistachio and pecans, preferably into a coarse meal texture.
Microwave the dates and apricots separately for 20 seconds each. Pulse them with vanilla and coconut oil until they form a sticky mixture.

Combine the mixture with pumpkin seeds, remaining chopped pistachio and ground nuts to make a dough.

Scoop out small quantity of the dough and gently flatten them. Cut them into hearts.

Omit the nuts if you have nut allergies. Use dried unsweetened coconut and dried cranberries with or without unsweetened cocoa.