Oh my gosh- these bites though. The smell of the chai spices is intoxicating. I’m fairly certain I said that out loud while rolling these into balls!
I’ve been making a batch of energy bites every couple of weeks to keep in the freezer. I pop a frozen bite or two into my lunch to snack on in the afternoon, or I have a couple in the evening with a steamy mug of tea. They’re a great grab-and-go snack, featuring healthy, whole foods that you can pronounce!
I tried to limit the sources of sugar in this recipe- using only 2 dates and one teaspoon of honey. These ingredients are entirely optional and customizable- perhaps add another date or two and skip the honey, or just use honey if you don’t have dates. You could also consider leaving them out entirely, though I found I preferred the flavour with some subtle sweetness. However you go about it, try to use as minimal as possible! Train those taste buds to prefer less-sweet flavours!
The blend of chai spices also helps to enhance the sweet and spicy notes in these bites. Make sure you breathe the mixture in once it’s all blended! The smell! I tell you!
Ingredients:
1 cup raw cashews
1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
1/2 cup oats
1/2 cup tahini
3 tbsp. ground flaxseed
2 dates (soaked in warm water if hard – optional)
1 tsp honey (optional)
1 tsp vanilla
1 tbsp. freshly grated ginger + 1 tsp ground ginger (or use 3 tsp ground ginger if you don’t have fresh)
3 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tsp ground cardamom
1 tsp ground cloves
1 tsp ground allspice
Generous few grinds of black pepper
Pinch of salt
3 tbsp. cacao nibs
2-3 tbsp. coconut oil (depending on dryness of mixture)
Directions:
1) Add the cashews, oats and coconut to a food processor and pulse until broken down into small pieces- though not too small, you don’t want to turn into a powder.
2) Add the remaining ingredients, except the coconut oil and cacao nibs, and pulse until well mixed.
3) Turn mixture out into a bowl and add some coconut oil or additional tahini until mixture stays together when squeezed – I used 3 tbsp. Stir in the cacao nibs.
4) Form into balls. Store in fridge or freezer.
