Chocolate Cranberry Almond Energy Balls
Energy? Lately I feel like I have zero! Anyone else feel like, they can't get their day started or get that huge dreaded afternoon drag, or how about looking at the clock thinking it's 9:30 pm and you're ready to crawl to bed only to realize it's really only 7 pm? Ughhh! That's me lately!!!So I've been trying to prep a head of time and make some little bites to have as my pick me ups throughout the day with out all the guilt, (like a warm chocolate chip cookie which is my total weakness!) or dumping in a ton of caffeine towards the end of the day.These Chocolate Cranberry Almond Energy Balls are gluten-free, packed with protein, loaded with chocolate, and have just enough sweetness. They're perfect for those snack times and desserts with out the added guilt, even the vanilla used is loaded with antioxidants, reduces inflammation in the body and improves mental health! Winning on all levels! ;)Store them in an air tight container in the refrigerator for week if they last that long or double your batch and keep them in the freezer for longer! :) Need more energy recipes? Grab this one too!Makes about 8-10 balls.
Ingredients:
- 6-8 pitted and soaked Medjool dates
- 1/2 C dried cranberries (unsweetened is better to cut out some sugar and adds a little tartness)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 tsp local honey (this is optional-helps keep the balls from falling apart)
- 2 tsp raw cacao powder
- 1/4 C almonds chopped in to small pieces for rolling
Directions:
- In a food processor or high-speed blender add dates, cranberries and pulse till it makes a paste. Save some of the water from soaking the dates and you can add a little water if the paste becomes to thick, should be sticky consistency and able to work it with you hands.
- Add vanilla, honey, and cacao and blend together.
- Remove from blender and roll into bite size balls.
- Add your chopped almonds to a plate then you can roll the balls around the plate.
Enjoy as you make them or save them for later! Comment below and let us know how you liked them! Here's to finding more energy!