Hot Fudge Brownie Bites

1 cup walnuts
1 1/3 cups pitted dates
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
3-4 tbsp cocoa powder (or even Dutch cocoa)
optional: 1/8 plus 1/16 tsp salt (I always add it)
optional: chocolate chips or even a piece of a chocolate bar or baking chocolate
 
Blend all the ingredients, using a food processor, Magic Bullet, etc. (No need to blend the dates first; I just blend everything all at once in my MB. Form into bars or balls. It might help to put dough in a plastic bag and close the bag, then shape into a bar. (Feel free to experiment with different nut combinations. I often sub almonds or cashews for some of the walnuts.)