Energy balls are kind of like baby granola bars that don’t need to be baked at all. They are really nutrient and energy dense, making for a great snack during or after any kind of physical activity or for an afternoon slump. Even my picky dad approved of them as a cookie substitute so they work for that too. My other most difficult taste tester, my brother, said they were better than expected, which translates as high praise.
Coincidentally, some foods resemble the human body parts that they are particularly nourishing for. Walnuts, full of omega fatty acids essential to brain health, kind of look like brains. Sliced carrots, great sources of the antioxidant lutein which improves eye health, look like human eyes. Cherries, which have a deep blood red juice are very good for building the body’s blood because of their significant amounts of the minerals: iron, copper, magnesium, potassium and calcium. However, they can be pretty extravagantly priced so raisins are a good stand-in. The quinoa flakes can easily be substituted for extra oats for anyone not obsessed enough with quinoa to regularly stock it in all forms.
- 1 cup quinoa flakes
- 1 cup oats
- 1 cup nut butter (I used half almond and half peanut)
- ½ cup dried cherries
- ½ cup almonds, chopped
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Combine all the ingredients together and mix well until thoroughly combined (best if you use your hands and really get in there). Take a spoonful at a time and roll into a ball between your palms. They can be stored in a sealed container for a couple weeks or the fridge/freezer for longer.
I just made recipe and they came out really good!!! I had to make a few substitutions since I didn’t have quinoa flakes, maple syrup, and cherries at home. I ended up using all oats, honey, and apricots. I look forward to making them with quinoa next time. Thanks again for the awesome recipes!