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These Almond Cocoa Energy Bites are a delicious and satisfying treat, packed with flavor and wholesome ingredients. So go ahead and indulge in something that is both healthy and tasty, any time of day!
With the sun shining, any barriers to activity have assuredly been removed, whether it’s a brisk afternoon stroll down the block, a morning jog, or even just a sunlit yoga session. The only barrier that remains, in fact, is the energy to keep going, the energy to keep getting the most out of each sun baked moment of the season.
If only that were true.
Sadly, schedules only get busier in the summer months, with outdoor get-togethers becoming more frequent, all while the various blissful ‘rituals’ of the season each take their own precious bite out of daylight hours, and some even begin to gnaw into the evening. Whether it’s lazy days at the beach, family barbeques, road trips, or even just starlit poolside lounging, things have hardly ever been busier. As a result, even though the weather maybe more inviting, staying fit and keeping active can become all the more difficult to work into one’s daily routine.
When we do find time to fit in a workout, we like to make sure that we’re getting the most we possibly can out of it. As I mentioned above, energy is a big part of that equation. Packing in a dose of protein, electrolytes, and nutrients pre, during, and post-workout is an important aspect for anyone looking to stay fit, and especially for those looking to get fit, whether it’s purely for the aesthetics of a ‘summer ready’ body or for the health benefits, or for both.
Being who and what we are here at Living the Gourmet, everything that passes through our kitchen absolutely needs an added layer of ‘gourmet-ism.’ After all, why not? No sense in eating a bland energy snack when one could just as easily enjoy a delicious one.
For a quick boost before or after a workout, or even just as healthy seasonal snacks on the go, I like to make ‘energy bites’ using Blue Almonds. To do this, I process raisins, almonds, coconut and dates together for the base, along with honey, vanilla and cocoa powder for natural sweetness and added flavor. I then divide the mixture into bite sized truffles, and roll them in crushed almonds for a layer of mild crunch and additional flavor.
Simplicity itself.
After these have set in the fridge, the end result is a batch bite-sized truffles packed with natural energy, crisp seasonal flare, and guilt free sweetness wrapped in alternating layers of mild earthy tones underscored by muted fruit notes. As an added bonus, these are positively perfect for busy schedules since they couldn’t be easier or quicker to make.
What are some of your tips and tricks for guilt free seasonal snacks? What are some of your tips and tricks for workout boosts during the summer season? We would love to hear from you.
Almond Cocoa Energy Bites
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
Energy Bites:
- 1 cup dates – pitted
- 1 cup raisins
- 2 cups Blue Diamond Lightly Salted Almonds
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 2 tbs. honey
- 1 tbs. vanilla
Almond Coating:
- 1/4 –1/2 cup Blue Diamond Sea Salt Almonds
Instructions
Energy Bites:
- Place all of the above in a food processor and process until a creamy mixture is achieved.
Almond Coating:
- Place the almonds in a food processor and process until crumbly.
- Roll the date and raisin mixture into desired sized balls, then roll each ball in the ground almonds and place on a pan lined with parchment paper.
- Serve either chilled or not.
Enjoy with Love,
Catherine
xo
Recipe developed by Catherine | Forward written by Michael
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Taylor @ Food Faith Fitness says
I LOVE how healthy these are! Blue Diamond Almonds are my favorite, and these sound like a delicious snack! Pinned!
Arman @ thebigmansworld says
Love what you did here, Catherine- Those bites look so delicious!
Holly Waterfall says
Working out during the summer is SO hard! For me, it’s not the schedule that gets in my way – it’s a matter of how hot it is… why would I want to subject myself to more heat?! haha. but MAYBE these energy bites are exactly what I need as a good incentive for getting through a workout!
David @ Spiced says
I love how easy these energy bites are to make! I’ve never made my own energy bites, but I’m loving the flavor combo here, Catherine. Pinning to make soon! I hope you have an awesome weekend! 🙂
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
These bites sound just perfect, Catherine! I love how you combined chocolate and almonds. What a perfect snack!
tanna says
Almonds, Blue Diamond in particular, are my go-to snack! You took them to a whole other level!! Thank you! blessings ~ tanna
Julia says
These look wonderful! I just love those dates in there and the almonds. I have to try these. Beautiful photos too!
[email protected]'s Recipes says
They are nutritious and delicious. A perfect post workout snack.
Comedy Plus says
Oh yummy. I only took a few and they were very good.
Have a fabulous day and weekend Catherine. Big hugs. ♥♥♥
★★★★★
Jennifer says
Catherine, these are perfect! I like that they are so portable, easy to take to the rink , tennis court, pool or the soccer pitch!
Ilona @ Ilona's Passion says
Yummy cocoa bites, I love the addition of salted almonds! Pinning:)
Big Daddy Dave says
Catherine, Love almonds and Blue Diamond are my almonds of choice. What a great healthy snack! Thanks for the recipe. Take Care, Big Daddy Dave
Manila Spoon says
These are the kind of nibbles I want to snack on! Yummers!
★★★★★
Florian @ContentednessCooking says
Those bites look beyond amazing, I could only imagine how delicious they taste! Definitely a must try, love it!
gloria says
Look delicious Catherine!!
★★★★★
marcie says
This is a snack I wouldn’t be able to walk away from — it looks just delicious, Catherine! 🙂
Dottie Sauchelli-Balin says
Hi Catherine,
Everything I love is mixed in with these almond cocoa energy bites. What a terrific combination and so good for you as well. We all need that little boast and this is sweet enough to get you over the hill. Great recipe…have to get the ingredients and then I will be making these little bites. Another awesome recipe from LTG…Thanks for sharing..Blessings on a beautiful weekend!
Hugs, Dottie 🙂
AnnMarie says
I have made a few different kinds of energy bites, but these are decadent! I must try them because they are similar to cookies that I make.
★★★★★
Jasline (Foodie Baker) says
I love the fact that these are no-baked! It’s too hot these days to switch on the oven, these looks absolutely yum!
Kelly - Life Made Sweeter says
These are the perfect bites for snacking on. I love the almond and chocolate combo! They look wonderful, Catherine!
Danae @ Recipe Runner says
Having a protein filled snack always helps keep my energy up. These little energy bites would do the trick and taste delicious too!
Mary Frances says
Energy bites are my all time favorite snack! You do such a wonderful job making healthy and fun and decadent recipes Catherine, I love the cocoa and almond combo here!
Stephanie says
Boy, did I need these today! I was definitely dragging and these would have been perfect! Thanks for sharing with Roses of Inspiration. I am hoping to make some of these soon 🙂
Nikki Frank-Hamilton says
I am gluten free and always on the look out for snacks I can take with me so I am not grabbing something with gluten. These look great, we’ve been enjoying energy bites and I love this version. Thanks for sharing. Pinning!
Ashley says
Yum! I love almonds! Thanks for sharing this yummy recipe with us at the Merry Monday link party. I hope you’ll join us again next week. Sharing your post on Twitter!
Miz Helen says
I could really use some of your Almond Cocoa Energy Bites right now! Hope you are having a fantastic day and we are so excited that you shared your post with Full Plate Thursday.
Thanks so much and Come Back Soon!
Miz Helen
★★★★★