Presented with a choice of sweet or savory, I’d go for savory every time. This penchant is probably reflected on the Green Swede blog where juice, salads and main courses dominate.  However, friends have asked me to feature more desserts as there are so many great new recipes for cakes and puddings that replace the traditional flour, sugar, egg combo with healthier alternatives that are actually good for you.

Today’s energy bites are sweet and filling enough to work as an after school snack or just something sweet and chocolatey to have with your cup of tea. It is also a great way of ensuring you get your daily nut and seed intake. The energy bits are packed with essential fatty acids, protein, minerals and vitamins so you can eat and feel merry, bite after bite.  Enjoy! x

Energy Bites

(makes about 6-7 large balls)

1 tbsp sunflower seeds

1 tbsp pumpkin seeds

1 tsp chia seeds,

1 tbsp cashew nuts

1 tbsp raw cacao (any health food shop use as normal coco)

3 dates, soaked and de-stoned

1 heaped tbsp coconut oil

Desiccated coconut (for dipping)

How to:

1. Start off by soaking your dates in teacup filled with boiling water. After a few minutes they will be soft and squishy and easy to cut into small chunks.

2. In a food processor, grind the nuts and seeds (bar chia) well if you want smooth bites, a bit rougher if you like some resistance.

3. Add all the ingredients into a mixing bowl and add the coconut oil. Mix well until you have a sticky firm ‘dough’. Taste and see if it is sweet or chocolatey enough for you. We are all different so you may at this stage want to add another date (or a dash of maple syrup) or some more cacao. Put some desiccated coconut in a bowl for dipping.

4. Roll the mixture into balls and dip into the desiccated coconut until covered. When all balls have been coconut coated place in fridge for about an hour to firm up. They are now ready to be enjoyed. They will keep for about a week in the fridge. x