Chocolate and Nut Energy Bits

I love making these fun treats. It gives me my chocolate kick for the day and an energy burst at the same time. Not to mention the healthy fats, protein and natural sugar from the dates used!

Serves: 25-30 Bites

Ingredients:

• 3 Cups Pitted Dates, chopped
• ¾ Cup Almonds
• ¾ Cup Walnut halves and pieces
• 4 Tbsp Hemp Seeds
• 4 Tbsp Cocoa powder
• ½ Cup Unsweetened coconut
• 1½ Tbsp Vanilla
• 4-6 Tbsp Water (to mix well)

Directions:

1. In a food processor, add the almonds and walnuts. Pulse about 20 times until the ingredients break down and begin to blend.
2. Add the cocoa powder, dates, and 4 Tbsp of water in that particular order and blend to mix all ingredients (this allows the cocoa to incorporate into the ingredients).
3. Add the hemp seeds and vanilla. Blend until all ingredients combine. You may need to add a little more water at this point.
4. Measure the coconut into a small bowl. Grab a baking sheet and place beside the bowl.
5. Using a tablespoon, spoon out a small amount of the mixture and roll between your hands into a small ball (just smaller than a golf ball). Drop in the coconut to coat and place on the baking sheet.
6. Once all of the mixture has been used up, put the tray in the freezer to allow the balls to harden for about 30 minutes (if you’re making a large batch and want to keep on hand for a few weeks).
7. Once the balls harden, place them all in a large re-sealable bag and put back in the freezer.

Change-it-up Tip:

• Change up the nuts to almonds + cashews; walnuts + pistachios, etc.
• Make these as bars by adding the coconut right into the mixture and following the directions below:
  • Transfer the mixture into a saran wrap-lined dish and pat down with damp hands. Cover with overlap of saran and refrigerate for at least one hour.
  • Slice into 18 bars. Wrap individually and keep in the refrigerator for up to one week, or freeze in a re-sealable bag to extend their shelf-life.