In a food processor fitted with the "S" blade, process almonds and sea salt till they're ground into a coarse meal (but no giant chunks of almonds left).

Add the dates. Give the mixture a few pulses to combine. Then run the motor until the whole mixture is very well ground, and sticks together when you squeeze a handful. Add the dates and the almond butter, and continue to process for a minute or two.

Pulse in the dried fruit. If you use gojis, they can be hard, so you may need to run the motor a little.

Press the "dough" into a small rectangular baking pan (I used 11 x 7 x 2 inches) that has been lined with parchment paper. Make sure the top is even as you press. Let sit in a cool place for a little while (the fridge is good). Cut into bar shapes that fit your needs, and enjoy. Makes approximately 10-15 bars.

Notes:

1. If you use a vanilla flavored protein powder, that's totally fine, but the taste will be quite sweet. You can try omitting some of the dates (maybe a half cup) and adding more almond butter to bind (maybe 2-3 tbsp), though I haven't yet tried this method.

2. Feel free to chop in cacao nibs, to add vanilla extract, or any other add-ins you like (maca, cinnamon, cocoa powder).

3. Hemp protein should also work well!