Blueberry Energy Balls
Now that we’ve entered the month of April, the days are getting warmer and longer, so much more can be achieved in a day. I’m very happy to be leaving this last winter behind, it has been long and harsh. My bicycle has been dusted down ready for long weekend cycle rides with friends, one of my favourite Spring and Summer activities. Living in the Chilterns we are spoilt for choice. The Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty boasts a wide range of cycle routes including a number of National Cycle Network routes, traffic-free sections and signposted cycle routes such as the Chilterns Cycleway and the Chiltern Heritage Trails. So much to look forward to!
Want to make a healthier treat? Energy balls are delicious little morsels that you can prepare in advance and store in the freezer, making them the ultimate grab and go snack when you’re craving something sweet or a little naughty. The main ingredient can vary from chocolate, to coconut, dates, raw nuts, and so on, the combinations are endless. Sugar Free? Of course this isn’t completely true as they contain natural sugars from honey and dates but compared to traditional sweet treats there is no comparison in the amount of sugar.
The bonus also is that these balls are packed with nutrients, they offer a combination of protein, carbohydrates and fats, plus they are totally portable. Pair one or two with a piece of fruit before or after exercise to save you money (and a long list of ingredients) of shop bought bars and bites. They will keep you focused and your energy levels topped up. Even better, they’re simple to make, all you need is a food processor and 15 minutes of your time.
Blueberry Energy Balls
Ingredients
- 60 g Frozen Blueberries
- 6 Pitted Dates soak in boiling water for 15 minutes, then drain
- 80 g Raw Cashews
- 50 g Rolled Oats
- 45 g Desiccated Coconut plus extra for dusting
- 1 Tbsp Coconut Oil
Instructions
- Blitz all the dry ingredients in a food processor until you have a fine meal.
- Add the dates, coconut oil and blueberries and then pulse until a dough forms.
- Take a small handful of the dough and roll into a ball and then roll in some desiccated coconut, I usually allow 25g per ball so you should get 12 out of the recipe.
- Pop them in the fridge in a sealed container. They should keep for 4-5 days.
