It’s been a long few weeks and no doubt you feel as if you are the one in need of more energy, not necessarily your kids! Well, here’s a recipe from which you may both benefit. Dense, chewy, nutty, and nutritious without tasting like it—these delicious dried fruit-and-nut bites pack a lot into a very small package.
Loaded with almonds, rolled oats, dried apples and dates, these wholesome bites are real food that will stave off hunger for hours. Better yet, the dense little balls will keep in a covered container in the fridge for up to a month and the recipe is so easy that kids can make it themselves. In fact, you might suggest they make a double batch, then the next time your kids reach for the chips at snack time you can turn them to an energy ball instead! Enjoy them plain, or toss the sticky-sweet balls in a bowl of sweetened cocoa powder for a truffle-like finish.
No-Bake Energy Balls
- 3/4 cup lightly packed chopped dried apples
- 1/2 cup pitted Medjool dates
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon grated orange or lemon zest
- 1 cup lightly toasted nuts, such as walnuts or blanched almonds
- 1/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon pepitas or sesame seeds
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
1 PROCESS THE INGREDIENTS
In a food processor or blender, combine the apples, dates, vanilla, and zest; pulse until the mixture is well chopped and forms a ball, about 30 short pulses. Add the nuts, oats, pepitas, cinnamon, and salt and process until the nuts are finely ground and the mixture forms moist clumps when pressed together with your fingers, about 2 minutes.
2 MIX THE BATTER
Roll the mixture between your palms into 3/4-inch balls. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month. Makes about 25 balls.
Adapted from Junior Chef Master Class (Weldon Owen, 2019)
