EGG-FREE, NIGHTSHADE-FREE, VEGETARIAN
If you’re a fan of prepackaged fruit and nut bars, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how easy they are to make at home. While rolling them into bite-size balls makes them easy to eat, you can also spread the dough in a standard loaf pan lined with parchment paper, chill, and cut them into bars.
Makes 12 servings (2 energy bites per serving)
Prep time: 15 minutes, plus 1 hour chilling time
Cooking time: none
10 Medjool dates, pitted
1 cup unsweetened dried cherries
1 cup raw almonds
¼ cup raw pecans
2 tablespoons cacao powder or unsweetened cocoa powder
⅛ teaspoon sea salt
1 tablespoon raw honey
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the dates and dried cherries in a food processor and pulse until broken down into small pieces. Add the almonds, pecans, cacao powder, and salt and pulse until the mixture resembles bread crumbs.
2. Add the honey and vanilla and process until the mixture becomes sticky and binds together. Roll the mixture into about twenty-four 1½-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Freeze the bites until set, about 1 hour. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Noelle’s tip: These bites will maintain a slightly soft texture right out of the freezer.