Date-Nut-Seed Energy Balls

Being pregnant in the summertime has not been so fun for me.  You guys probably know by now that I really hate the heat.  Give me an overcast 65-degree day over a sunshiny 80-degree day anytime.  Maybe this is the ultimate result of growing up and living in the Pacific Northwest.  

When I was pregnant with Ben I made several batches of oatmeal lactation support cookies to have before and after labor, but there was no way I was going to turn on the oven this time around.  So, these raw Date-Nut-Seed Energy balls were my solution.

When pulling together the ingredients, I essentially wanted to make these little calorie-dense healthy fat bombs to give me energy before, during, and after labor.  The fact that they store well in the freezer and taste great cold is a happy coincidence.  They can also be stored in the fridge for some time, or on the counter for several days... if they last that long.  

Date-Nut-Seed Energy Balls
Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 24 servings

Ingredients:

• 6 tbsp raw almonds
• 6 tbsp raw pepitas
• 1/4 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup packed dates, pits removed
• 2 Tbsp chia seeds
• 2 Tbsp ground flaxseeds
• 2 Tbsp peanut butter

(FOR A DOUBLE BATCH):

• 3/4 cup raw almonds
• 3/4 cup raw pepitas
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 2 cups packed dates, pits removed
• 1/4 cup chia seeds
• 1/4 cup ground flaxseeds
• 1/4 cup peanut butter

Instructions:
1.)  In a food processor, pulse the almonds, pepitas, and rolled oats until a coarse flour forms.
2.)  Add in the remaining ingredients and blend until a dough starts to form.
3.)  Pour blended mixture into a bowl and mix with a spoon to make sure all of the processed ingredients are well mixed together.

4.)  Using your hands, grab a small handful of the dough and form a tight ball, about the size of a ping pong ball.

5.) Place the balls on a non-stick baking tray or a plate covered with parchment paper.  Once all of the dough is used and the balls are formed, place the tray or plate in the freezer for 20 minutes before removing and storing how you prefer.

Amy's Notes:
In a perfect world, these would include some form of chocolate.  Because I primarily made them for after birth when I would be breastfeeding, I opted to not add any cocoa, chocolate chips, or melted chocolate coating (chocolate seamed to bother Ben when I breastfed the first time around).  BUT don't let that stop you!  If you wanted to add some chocolate, I would suggest you try adding 1-2 Tbsps of cocoa powder, 2 Tbsps of mini vegan chocolate chips, or dipping the frozen balls in a bit of melted chocolate and returning to the freezer to solidify.

Health and Happiness,

Amy