Day: November 6, 2013

For a long time, I had wanted to try Larabars but was afraid because I didn’t know how they would like it because of the dates. Once I finally tried one of the bars, I decided it was not as bad as I thought it would be.

This past weekend, I picked my first container of dates to make some energy balls to eat as a snack and for breakfast. At first, I was going to make regular no-bake energy balls, but then I found a recipe for pumpkin no-bake energy balls. I decided to make them instead. Oh my goodness, they are delicious!!!!!!!  :)’

The best thing about this recipe is you don’t need to bake them. I also like all the different textures and flavors within one little ball.

Pumpkin No-Bake Energy Balls

adapted from Gimme Some Oven

Stars of the recipe:

• 1 packed cup pitted and chopped dates
• 1/4 c. honey
• 1/4 c. pumpkin puree (make sure it’s not pumpkin pie)
• 1 Tbsp. chia seeds or ground flax seeds (I used chia seeds.)
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
• pinch of salt
• 1 c. old-fashioned oats (dry, not cooked) (I used quick oats. Those worked great.)
• 1 c. toasted coconut flakes
• 1 c. pumpkin seeds

Steps:

1. Combine the dates, honey, pumpkin puree, chia or flax seeds, and spices in a food processor. Pulse until it’s smooth and combined.
2. Put the mixture into a large mixing bowl. Stir in the remaining ingredients until evenly combined.
3. Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes.
4. Once it’s cool, using a spoon or cookie scoop to shape into desired size of energy balls.
5. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. (When they are stored in the refrigerator, it helps the energy balls hold their shape.)
6. Enjoy – Savor the textures and flavor as you are eating them.

Printable Recipe