Preparation time: 5 minutes
Total time: 5 minutes
Makes 8 servings (16 balls)
The wait is over! For years, readers have asked for a Phase 1 power bar substitute that’s quick to make. These little gems provide a balanced ratio of macronutrients without any preservatives or refined sugar—a snack you can feel good about. Get creative with other extracts or spices to create a variety of flavor options, like orange or cinnamon. You’ll need a food processor and a little patience, but they’re well worth the effort.
• 1½ cups cashews
• 3 ounces dark chocolate (at least 70% cacao), broken into small chunks
• ½ to 1 teaspoon pure peppermint extract, or 3 or 4 drops food-grade peppermint essential oil
• 2½ servings unsweetened, unflavored 100% whey protein powder (check the package nutritional info—1 serving should yield 22 g protein)
Place all the ingredients in a food processor and process for 4 to 5 minutes, scraping the sides and bottom regularly until completely incorporated and the mixture forms a smooth ball. This takes a bit of patience. The chocolate will begin to soften as the friction of the food processor warms it a bit. Just as with homemade nut butters, the mixture will go through stages: coarsely chopped, finely chopped, then the beginnings of a paste, then it will form into a cohesive ball that is completely mixed.
Remove from the processor and form into 16 equal-sized (1½-to 2-inch) balls. Store in an airtight container in the cupboard for up to a few weeks.
Calories: 219
Carbohydrate: 12 g (22%)
Protein: 11 g (21%)
Fat: 14 g (57%)
For Orange Chocolate Power Balls: Substitute orange extract or food-grade orange essential oil for the peppermint.
For Chocolate Vanilla Power Balls: Substitute 1 to 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract for the peppermint.