Energy Boost

Funny (but true): I started making these nutrition bites last winter after receiving a VitaMix for Christmas. As much as I love smoothies, I was eager to explore other healthy and delicious treats, that could be prepared in large batches on the weekend. So on my very first attempt at making energy bites, I ordered pitted Medjool dates, ground flax and chia seeds. Upon their arrival I proceeded to meticulously measure out the ingredients (leaving room for exploring additional flavor combinations). I started with the almonds and pulverized them well in my new food processor. Then I blended in the dates and old fashioned oatmeal before adding the final ingredients (very noisy, but satisfying to watch in the new-fangled, high-powered, food processor).  Start to finish, I only spent 40 minutes in the kitchen and the end product was beautiful. But when I went to sample them, I nearly chipped a tooth ... because the dates that I ordered … weren’t pitted! YIKES. Way too much fiber & crunch for my liking. LOL

Now, the following recipes are tried and true from the Urban Solace kitchen - without the risk of an unexpected visit to your dentist. Feel free to adapt them with your favorite dried fruit, nuts, seeds and nut butters. Have fun exploring your own tasty versions of our energy bites. Most of the items can be found at popular retailers that sell organic and natural baking ingredients like, Meijer, Kroger, Trader Joes, Zerbos, Natural Food Patch, Westborn Market and some select Target Stores.

Cranberry Cashew Energy Bites

1/2 Cup Almond Butter

1/2 Cup Medjool Dates (pitted)

1 Cup Dried Cranberries

1 C Old Fashioned Oatmeal

1 T Chia Seeds

1/4 C Ground Flax Seeds

1/2 Cup Roasted Cashews (coarsely chopped)

1/2 tsp sea salt (omit the salt if your cashews are salted!)

Directions:

In a food processor, pulse the pitted dates, nut butter, sea salt and vanilla. Add the oatmeal and ground flax and pulse. Stir in dried cranberries, cashews and chia. Line a pan or food saver container with parchment as a collection vessel. Scoop 2 tablespoons of mixture into your hands and form (roll) into densely packed balls. If the mixture seems dry, lightly wet your hands. Place the bites in the container and store in the refrigerator.

Tip: If your mixture is dry and crumbly, it could be due to older dates. Traditionally, dates should be decadently sweet and slightly sticky when you gently squeeze them. We love eating them as is (being mindful to work around the large two inch pits). To improve the malleability of your mixture add water to the blend before forming - no more that one teaspoon at a time (to avoid making an energy bite slurry!).

Chocolate, Almond & Coconut Energy Bites

1 C Old Fashioned Oatmeal

1/2 Almond Butter

1/3 C Agave Nectar or Honey (or 1/4 C Maple Syrup)

2 T Natural Cocoa Powder

1/2 C Raw or Roasted Almonds (unsalted)

1/2 C Dark or Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

2/3 C Unsweetened Coconut (plain or lightly toasted - which offers a wonderful nutty flavor)

Directions:

In a food processor, pulse 3/4 cup of the oatmeal, 1/4 cup of the almonds and cocoa into a medium fine mixture. Add nut butter and sweetener of choice. Stir in remaining oats, coconut, chocolate chips and almonds (coarsely chopped for texture). Line a loaf pan or small rectangular baking dish with parchment and press the mixture into the vessel - roughly two inches thick. Chill for thirty minutes, then carefully cut into bars, triangles or fancy trapezoids. LOL Any shape that will easily fit into your mouth, because these are delicious. Reminiscent of a chocolate covered coconut-almond candy bar that I used to love as a kid. For added flair, you could also drizzle your bars with melted chocolate before chilling. Or, if you like forming the bite sized balls (like the recipe above), roll them into two-inch spheres and dust with cocoa powder instead. So many wonderful options. Either way, enjoy!!

Note: We use almond butter because my kid is allergic to peanuts / peanut butter. I try to buy Justin’s brand almond butter, because it’s smooth and easy to mix. Some brands require lots of stirring before use - especially for recipes like these. In addition, avoid using quick cook oats. They are crumbly and have a mealy texture, unlike the hearty chew of old fashioned oats (aka rolled oats or groats).

*Urban Solace Yoga & Wellness has an affiliate relationship with Amazon.com and purchases made from the links featured on our website yield a small commission.