Meyer Lemon Coconut Energy Balls

Energy balls are perfect for a healthy dessert or snack or they can be added to a bowl of oatmeal or yogurt to bulk it up a little. Their name describes them perfectly- energy balls, a.k.a. power balls, are filled with nutrient dense ingredients. Each component itself is filled with nutrients, including the macronutrients (carbohydrates, protein and fats) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals). When they come together they create a great option for fuelling or recovering from intense workouts or for getting through afternoon energy slumps.Meyer lemons are a cross between regular lemons and mandarin oranges and they contain the best of both- the bright, refreshing tanginess of lemons toned down by the sweetness of mandarin oranges. They are often in plastic bags of 4-6 in the produce section of grocery stores or in produce markets. Here I have the contents of two different bags- some look more like lemons and some look more like mandarin oranges but they taste very similar.Cashew butter is the closest single ingredient I have found that compares to icing. It just so happens to be very nutritious. It is one of the more expensive nut butters but using it in a dish like this really allows it to shine and not be overpowered. It has an incomparable natural sweetness and more of a mild nutty flavour compared to other nut butters, although they can be used if preferred, or it can even be made at home from raw or roasted cashews if you have a powerful enough food processor.Honey is an ancient food and a natural sweetener. It lends a warm, rich sweetness to the energy balls, along with its vitamins, nutrients and anti-microbial capabilities. Liquid, unpasteurized honey is the least processed and generally has the most nutrients. The lighter ones like this are more mild in flavour, but the darker they get the more depth of flavour they will offer.