It’s time for all things holiday spice! As we head into the holiday season, here’s a yummy nutrient-dense energy bite that will put you in the holiday spirit. Each plant-based bite combines sweet potatoes, beets, dates, and a bit of dark chocolate to keep you properly fueled through the holiday season. They’re also easy and fun for children to make and sweet enough to make them think it’s a treat.
Ingredients:
- 12 pitted Medjool dates
- ¾ cups Chopped walnuts
- ½ cup Beets, peeled, chopped and cooked (approximately 2 small beets)
- ½ cup Sweet potatoes, cooked and peeled
- 3 Tablespoons Chia seeds
- ⅓ cup Unsweetened cocoa
- 2 ½ teaspoons Lebkuchen spice* (or store-bought gingerbread spice)
- 2-3 Tablespoons Maple syrup, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1 cup Shredded coconut, cocoa powder, or finely chopped pistachios (or favorite nuts)
*Lebkuchen spice: combine the following ground spices: ¼ cup cinnamon, 2 Tablespoons cloves, 1 teaspoon allspice, 1 teaspoon cardamon, 1 teaspoon ginger, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, and 1 teaspoon anise. Pulverize in a spice grinder. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Instructions:
- Place the dates in a small bowl, cover with water and soak for 10-15 minutes.
- Place a piece of parchment paper on a ¼-sheet pan and set aside.
- Strain the dates and add to a food processor, along with the walnuts.
- Using the pulse button, finally chop the dates and nuts.
- Add the remaining ingredients, except for the shredded coconut, and combine, using the pulse button, until well incorporated.
- Refrigerate for 15 minutes.
- Use a mini ice cream scoop or teaspoon to scoop small mounds of the mixture.
- Roll into round balls between the palms of your hands and place on the parchment paper.
- Roll each energy ball in the shredded coconut or ground nuts and place back on the parchment paper.
- Refrigerate for 15 minutes and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Note:
The dates in this recipe act to sweeten these energy bites. Only add the maple syrup, if needed, to taste.
