blissful eats with tina jeffers: Chocolate almond cherry energy bites

Since summer has arrived and my son has me running all over town from sports camp to sports camp it’s nice to have something handy that I can grab as I run out the door to snack on.   It’s an added bonus that he loves them to so we can replace his usual post camp snack of a candy bar with something that I can feel good about.  Energy bites provide long lasting energy and do a great job of curbing those in between meals cravings.  They are essentially my version of a homemade Lara Bar, just much more economical and super easy to make.

Five simple ingredients, that’s all it takes to create these delicious healthy energy bites.  Almonds, cocoa, dried cherries, dates and salt.  No preservatives, nothing artificial but I bet your kids will love them.   You can mix up the recipe using different nuts and fruits.  They would be delicious with walnuts, pecans or cashews and you could try them with dried cranberries or strawberries.

Chocolate almond cherry energy bites

Makes about 15 1-inch balls

Ingredients:

1 cup raw almonds

½ cup cocoa

½ cup dried cherries

2 cups dates, pitted (about 10)

½ teaspoon salt

Method:

In a food processor, process the almonds until finely chopped but don’t let it turn to almond butter, you still want some texture.

Add the pitted dates, cocoa and salt and process until the mixture is finely chopped and sticks together when you squeeze it between your fingers.  Add cherries and process again until well combined. 

Using a tablespoon at a time roll the mixture into one-inch balls.  Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.  Let them defrost for 20-30 minutes before serving if frozen.