Spiced Cacao Energy Balls

Now I know I am a little bit late to the 'Energy Ball' party, and many health-food bloggers have been citing their benefits for several years - it is only now in 2016 that I know why! I had always been a little sceptical to be honest, thinking they would need loads of expensive and obscure ingredients to make, and wouldn't deliver in terms of taste…how wrong I was. These energy balls are packed with fibre, good fats and protein, providing you with a virtuous yet sweet energy boost that will tackle the dreaded '4pm slump' better than any chocolate bar. They are also really portable, so ideal to take into work or to the gym. This recipe couldn't be easier either, and with just 7 store cupboard ingredients it really couldn't be quicker! Even better - the recipe is totally adaptable according to your own preferences or which ingredients you can get your hands on, so I encourage you to tweak away! My recipe was in-fact inspired by both Deliciously Ella's foolproof Energy Bites video http://deliciouslyella.com/video-how-to-make-energy-bites/ and Minimalist Baker's Peanut Butter Energy Bites post http://minimalistbaker.com/5-ingredient-peanut-butter-cup-energy-bites/, so check them out too and see what you can come up with yourself. All you need in terms of equipment is a good food processor - so get blitzing!

To make about 20 Energy Balls you will need…

1 cup pitted dates

2/3 cup raw almonds

2/3 cup pecans

2 tbsp oats

1 tbsp linseeds (flaxseeds)

1 tbsp raw cacao powder

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp maple syrup

Pinch of salt

3 tbsp water - add a tbsp at a time - use more/less depending on how juicy your dates are!

You will need to…

1. Place all the ingredients in a good food processor and blitz until the mixture starts to clump together.

2. Squeeze and roll the mixture into about 20 balls using the palms of your hands.

3. Place the balls into a sealed tupperware and freeze for an hour or so to harden.

4. Store in your sealed tupperware in the fridge for up to a week - you'll be lucky if they last that long!

Enjoy! C x