Powermint Patties

So we all know that strong is the new skinny, right?  Move over Thin Mints, and make room for Powermint Patties!

As with many of my creations, this recipe was inspired by a store-bought product that I had bought a couple times for my daughter, and then instantly regretted it!  It was actually the Lara Bar flavor called Mint Chocolate Brownie.  It’s sweet but not overpowering, and the burst of mint is actually refreshing.

As a rule, I don’t mind Lara Bars for kids since they’re one of very few packaged options that is made with whole natural foods – usually dates and nuts and sometimes other dried fruit.  They are high calorie, and not recommended for those already on a plant-based diet trying to lose weight, but certainly these are a great option for those transitioning to a plant-based diet, or those not having to worry about weight loss (like children).  But at $1.40 a piece, I’m not about to start buying these all the time!

And so I went home to invent my own version that I could enjoy myself!  At the risk of tooting my own horn, I totally nailed it!  I mean, it doesn’t exactly mimic what you might buy from your local Girl Scouts, but they’re really quite delicious.  They pack a nice protein punch, and are void of processed sugars,  oil, preservatives, and other junk I try to stay away from!

The chocolate flavor comes from carob powder which gives you the sense of chocolate without the caffeine or theobromine, so that’s a plus.  If those components don’t bother you, and you happen to only have baking cocoa powder around, feel free to make the substitution.  I promise I won’t tell!

Assuming a recipe yields about 8 servings (which of course varies wildly, we all know that!), these have a fraction of the fat you’d find in a serving of Thin Mints or a single Peppermint Patty, 6 times the protein, and almost none of the sodium.  In other words, what are you waiting for?!  Here’s how you do it!

Powermint Patties

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups black beans, drained and rinsed, *reserve the liquid
2 cups rolled oats
5 pitted medjool dates (approximately 1/2 cup)
2 Tbsp liquid from the beans
2 Tbsp carob powder
2 drops peppermint oil*

Directions:
Place all ingredients in food processor.  Blend 2-3 minutes on low speed, scraping sides occasionally.  Process until mixture begins to form a ball on the blade, adding liquid from beans 1 tsp at a time as necessary.  Use a Tablespoon scoop to form small balls with your hand, and flatten if desired to look more like York Peppermint Patties.  Store in fridge.

* Chef’s note: I use DoTerra from JP which is pure, potent, and a little goes a long way!  If you’re using peppermint flavoring or peppermint oil from another brand, please be sure that it is safe for consumption (to be taken internally), and adjust the quantity as desired.  These should leave a nice cool, fresh feeling in your mouth, but not so much that you clear your sinus passages or have your eyes start to water!