My family seem to eat boxes and boxes of pre-packaged muesli bars each week. They are gluten intolerant, so of course the only brands available to eat are usually quite expensive. You can buy pre-made Energy Balls, but at $3.00-5.00 each, that’s a bit too steep for the amount my family would go through!
So I decided to come up with a quick snack they could have with their afternoon tea, after a hard day at work and University, that was much healthier, more economical, plus I would know all the ingredients. So I thought I’d make my own Energy Balls.
So my first attempt was a great success. I switched out the standard oats that seem to be used in most Energy Ball recipes, using instead Quinoa flakes. They are light, tasty and easy to digest and very nutritious. The only known grain that provides all the essential amino acids needed by the human body, with a high source of iron. I’ve made notes in the ingredients list where you can “tweak” for your families preferences. So here are …
CRANBERRY BITES – Energy Balls
1/3 cup Organic nut butter (I used our peanut butter, either smooth or crunchy will work – you could also try our Unhulled Tahini)
1/4 cup Organic Rice Malt Syrup (this is a white sugar alternative, very sweet)
1tsp Vanilla (I used a small piece of one of our Vanilla Pods, or you can use Vanilla Extract)
1/3 cup Organic Fine Coconut (its finer than the commercial “desiccated” style and holds together well).
1 cup Organic Quinoa Flakes (much smaller than regular oats, so you can make small balls)
1/4 cup Organic Dried Cranberries (or you could use sultanas, cut up dried apricots, goji berries or other tasty dried fruit)
Optional: Finely chopped organic nuts or seeds (you will need to increase the “liquid” slightly for the mix to combine well). Organic Dark Choc Chips
METHOD
In a microwave proof bowl, add the nut butter, rice syrup and vanilla. Heat for 20 seconds, mix thoroughly so you have a smooth thick liquid. It’s at this time where you should do a little taste test, is it sweet or salty enough for you? If you’ve used the Organic nut or seed butters you may want to sprinkle a “smidge” of pink himalayan salt onto the liquid, or not.
In a large bowl add the fine coconut and quinoa flakes, then pour in the thick liquid. Mix together (you may even want to use your hand to get a great blend), then add the cranberries, and continue to bind the entire mix together.
Wet your hands slightly and using a tablespoon measure, pinch off a piece of the mix and squish and roll into a ball. Continue until all balls have been made. If you want to add some of the optionals, press one or both sides of the balls into the nuts or seeds (then reshape into a ball), or press some of the tiny choc chips into each ball.
Place in an airtight container and store in fridge to “firm up”. Leave for at least 15 minutes before eating. They will last up to a week in the fridge, or you could freeze for up to 3 months.
These Cranberry Bites are Paleo Friendly, Gluten Free, Raw, Vegan & Refined Sugar Free.