Protein balls

Ingredients

• 200 g pitted dried dates
• 100 g rolled oats
• 125 g almond butter or peanut butter
• 50 g sliced almonds
• 35 g shredded coconut
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tbs (40 g) maple syrup
• 2 tsp vanilla

Directions

1. Soak dates in 1/4 cup warm water for 5 mins
2. Add the dates to a small food processor. Blend until they form a sticky ball
3. Add the oats, almonds and coconut, then purée again until you have a uniform, coarse mixture, another 30 seconds.
4. Add the salt, cinnamon, almond butter, maple syrup, and vanilla, and purée again until the mixture is smooth. Taste. Adjust with more salt, maple syrup or vanilla to taste. Purée again. The mixture should be smooth and shiny.
5. Use a spoon to portion out the dough, ~25 g, then using the palms of your hands roll into a ball.
6. Chill the balls for at least 30 minutes before serving. Store in the fridge. At this point the energy bites can be frozen in an airtight container for as long as 3 months.

Notes:

• Soak dates in black coffee for a more intense flavour
• Wet your hands to stop the mixture sticking