Almond Cocoa Energy Bites

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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

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5 from 5 reviews

• Author: Living the Gourmet
• Total Time: 15 minutes

Print Recipe

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

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

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Instructions

Energy Bites:

1. Place all of the above in a food processor and process until a creamy mixture is achieved.

Almond Coating:

1. Place the almonds in a food processor and process until crumbly.
2. 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.
3. Serve either chilled or not.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

Enjoy with Love,
Catherine
xo

Recipe developed by Catherine | Forward written by Michael
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