Date Walnuts Energy Bites

I can’t believe it’s been over a year since I posted here…… but like they say, better late than never :). We are due for a long catch up re: the blog and where it’s headed but for now I want you to gather a handful of easy ingredients to make these energy bites. You can use the below recipe as a template and add your own fun twist with ingredients of your choice. I used whatever I had on hand and encourage you do you!! Quick tip – If you notice that your mixture is very crumbly and dry after mixing all the ingredients, feel free to add an additional teaspoon of nut butter or maple syrup to bring it all together.

Ingredients

• 1/4 Cups Gluten Free Rolled Oats
• 1/4 Cup Raw Pepitas
• 1/2 Cup Raw Walnuts (can be substituted with pecans or mixed nuts)
• 2-3 Tablespoons Hemp Hearts
• 2 Tablespoons Shredded Coconut (unsweetened)
• 1 Teaspoon Maca Powder, optional
• 5-6 Medjool Dates, pitted
• 3 Tablespoons Everything Nut Butter or Nut Butter of choice
• 1 Teaspoon Maple Syrup or as needed for extra sweetness, optional

Process

1. Heat a pan on medium heat and roast oats, walnuts and pepitas (if using raw) for 2-3 minutes. Alternatively, you can also use a baking sheet and roast in the oven at 350 for 5-7 mins. Let the mixture cool to room temperature. I find roasting on stovetop to be quicker.

2. In a food processor, pulse the oats, walnuts and pepitas to a coarse mixture.

3. Place the coarse mixture in a medium bowl and set aside.

4. Place the pitted dates in the same food process to make a paste. If the dates are dry, you can add a few drops of water.

5. Add the dates paste to the oats+walnuts+pepitas mixture, along with nut butter, hemp hearts, maca powder and shredded coconut.

6. Use a spoon or your hands to mix everything together. The mixture will be crumbly and sticky. Taste for sweetness and add maple syrup for additional sweetness (if needed).

7. Divide the mixture into equal portions ( around 1.5 tablespoons) and shape into ball. Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to a week.

Enjoy!