raw energy bites
When trying to keep a busy family healthy, a key to recipes is to be quick and easy to make and also to offer versatility. This is just the ticket!!
I made those with added orange zest for Christmas and they were such a success!
One little extra ingredient and you have a whole different tasting snack!! Suits all sorts of special occasions, as well as times of the day: they are a perfect snack pre or post workout, after school…. and between activities!
INGREDIENTS
100g pitted Medjool dates (soaked for an hour. Do not discard the water)
100g dried apricots (unsulphured, the brown ones!)
3 tbsp raw cacao powder (I use LucyBee or Creative Nature)
1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp chia seeds
1 cup gluten free oats (we like Rude Health Sprouted Porridge Oats)
1 tbsp coconut oil (I use LucyBee or Nutiva)
BONUS Ingredients
Desiccated coconut for dusting
Zest of 1 orange, for that special choc-orange taste
Or a few drops of good quality peppermint essential oil if you prefer a mint-choc version
Or ½ cup of salted almonds for a salted caramel-ish treat
METHOD
Prep Time: 15mins
Makes 12-15 balls/bites
- Roughly chop the soaked dates and apricots and add to the bowl of a food processor. Process for about 1 minute or until dates and apricots are well combined and forming a paste.
- Add in all the remaining ingredients. Pulse until a dough forms. The dough will be thick and sticky and easy to handle to form the energy balls / bites. If it seems too dry add 1 or 2 tablespoons of the dates soaking water.
- Roll into 12-15 medium sized balls.
- Store in the fridge where they will keep for up to 2 weeks. Can also be frozen.
THE HEALTH BOOST TIP
I first came up with this raw mix of ingredients as a very handy post workout quick refuel.
I then gave it to my kids who loved it. It is a real struggle to find healthy nourishing snacks to send kids to school with. Most schools operate a no nut policy and these bites comply. They are the right balance of good carbohydrates (GF rolled oats), protein and omega-3 (chia seeds) and naturally occurring sugar (dates and apricots)… and let’s not forget the all important healthy treat that is chocolate in the form of raw cacao powder.
Stored in an air tight container, they will keep up to 2 weeks! So get batch preparing!
