Raw Cacao & Almond Energy Bites

I have to admit – most days I need a little snack mid-afternoon to get me through the slump between lunch and dinner.  Sometimes if I’m at home, I shove a walnut into the middle of a date, add a bit of goat cheese and enjoy it immensely. But if I’m at work or running around town, I’ve found that finding a healthy option for an afternoon snack is no easy task.

These totally-easy-to-make energy bites are something I love to keep in the freezer, pop a few in my handbag in a little container, and nibble on later to give me a much-needed energy boost.  They are so delicious: just dates, raw cacao, almond flour and cocoa nibs.  They are both soft and crunchy, and are sweet but not too sweet.  You can whip them up quickly in your food processor and you’ll be set for snacks all week long.

The raw cacao provides powerful antixodiants, iron and magnesium while the dates give a satsifying natural sweetness along with a good dose of potassium and fiber and the almonds provide potassium, calcium, iron and magnesium.  These little nuggets pack a powerful punch! One or two will take you a very long way.

They are great for after a gym workout, an all-day shopping excursion, or a long hike.  Whichever way you decide to enjoy them, you’ll be smiling for sure.

Raw Cacao & Almond Energy Bites

2 cups soft fresh dates, pits removed
3/4 cup almond flour
1/4 cup cocoa nibs
3 tablespoons raw cacao powder

Combine all ingredients in the bowl of a food processor.  Process until the mixture all comes together in a thick, sticky mass.  Using a mini ice cream scoop or a large spoon, scoop out 2 tablespoons at a time, roll into a ball, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate.

You can consume immediately, package in an airtight container and freeze, or refrigerate for up to two weeks in and airtight container.

Makes 20 bites.