Peanut, Date and Hemp Energy Balls

Energy balls are basically round, very healthy cookies. They are easy to prepare because they do not require any baking time in the oven, although they could be flattened with a fork and called cookies instead. Their ingredients are all very nutrient dense- making them a potent source of energy. They are really versatile and can be a good way to use up bits of dried fruit, nuts and seeds leftover in the pantry. Generally I use a mixture of dates, nut butter and some kind of nut flour or oats as the base.Peanut powder is becoming a popular item and it can be found in grocery stores alongside the different nut butters or online. It is made from grinding up peanuts that have been roasted and had their oil extracted. It can be mixed with a bit of water to create a lower in fat and calories peanut butter substitute, but my favourite way to use it is in smoothies and healthy treats like these energy balls. It adds in some extra protein and tastes just like peanut butter.  Medjool dates are soft, sticky and gooey, acting both as a binder and a sweetener (if they are dried out, soak them in hot water for 10-20 minutes and drain excess water). Dates are high in carbohydrates, the body’s preferred source of energy, so treats made out of them are great for before or after workouts and during afternoon energy slumps. They are also rich in fiber and contain a range of vitamins and minerals.Hemp seeds are one of the healthiest choices out of all the seeds and nuts because they contain essential omega-3 fatty acids and all of the essential amino acids, so I like to use them as often as possible. When a nutrient is called essential, it means that we must obtain that food through our diets because our bodies cannot synthesize that nutrient itself. Omega-3s are important for brain function and nervous system health and they can help reduce inflammation in the body. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, if each were a different colour then a tower made from them could only be considered complete if it had every colour. Since hemp seeds contain all the essential amino acids, they are considered a complete protein. They have a soft texture and delicate nutty flavour. Keep them in the fridge for maximized freshness and to extend their shelf life.Molasses is a dark, thick syrup with a rich and deep flavour. It is left over from sugar production, and contains all the vitamins and minerals that started out in the sugarcane, which get left out of the refined sugar. There are a few different types ranging in nutritional content and sweetness. Blackstrap molasses is the healthiest but has a slightly bitter flavour, whereas fancy molasses is on the other end of the spectrum and is sweet, but with a lighter concentration of nutrients. Cooking molasses is a combination of the two and it is the one I like to use, it still has some extra nutrients over refined sugar and it has a nice depth and light sweetness. Molasses is easy to find in North America, it is common in the baking section of grocery stores but it is nearly impossible to find in Europe. It can be substituted for more maple syrup, or a dark honey, or whatever syrup is preferred. 

Peanut, Date and Hemp Energy Balls
 
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Serves: 24
INGREDIENTS:
  • 1 cup peanut powder (or almond flour)
  • 1 cup Medjool dates, pitted and chopped (around16; if they are not soft and gooey, soak them in hot water for 10-20 minutes, then drain and use the re-plumped up dates)
  • 1 cup almond butter (or any preferred nut butter)
  • ⅓ cup hemp seeds
  • 1 tablespoon molasses
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
DIRECTIONS:
  1. Combine all the ingredients in a food processor (or high speed blender or bowl with a powerful handheld blender) and pulse until fully blended. Take two tablespoons of the mixture at a time and roll into a ball between both palms. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a couple weeks.

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