Pure Energy Balls

It's February and finally today we are getting a little respite from the hot dry weather January persisted to give us, which was keeping me, at least, feeling very much in a summer holiday mood. Hot weather also makes it easy to eat lighter, fresher, healthier food especially for those of us with vegetable gardens - delicious fresh vegetables of all sorts are demanding to be harvested and eaten!

But vegetables aside, most of us benefit from a healthy protein snack mid afternoon to keep our energy up for the rest of the day.

A couple of days ago I whipped up these nut and seed balls and they have certainly hit the spot for that afternoon need for a "little something", and also turned into a lovely gift in a beautiful jar to take to our hosts for a post party sleepover in Torbay this weekend!

The recipe below used what I had at in my fridge and pantry but by all means use different combinations of nuts and seeds for whatever you may have or like. Any will do.

If you are thinking ahead, it is an exercise in superior nutrition to soak your nuts and seeds (except chia or flax seeds) Cashews for 2 hours; other nuts and seeds for 8+ hours (or overnight).  http://foodmatters.tv/articles-1/the-benefits-of-soaking-nuts-and-seeds

For this recipe, air dry soaked nuts and seeds before processing or dehydrate in your dehydrator if you have one, otherwise I expect it could get a little sloppy.

Nut and Seed Cocao Energy Balls

The perfect afternoon snack to keep you going to the end of the day with all the energy you need! 
Makes approximately 24 balls the size of a large walnut. One ball is a good portion for an adequate serving. 2 is ok if you are extra hungry and on the go.

In the food processor put:
1/2/cup Brazil Nuts
1/2 cup Cashew nuts
1/2 cup Almonds
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
3 tablespoons Raw Cacao powder (or Cocoa if that's all you have)
12 pitted Medjooli Dates
1/4 cup coconut oil
1/4 cup chia seeds
pinch salt

Process until finely ground and clumping/sticking together.
Roll into balls about the size of a large walnut then roll in finely chopped walnuts or other nut, or shredded coconut.
Keep for 1 week in the fridge, if you think there is a chance of that!
Great for the kids lunchbox.
These also freeze well