Energy Balls

2014 Kids Recipe Challenge winning recipe: 1st Place!

Liam, from Mount Albert, says, “kids will love this because they are sweet and healthy. When you come home from school tired and hungry, they give you energy - especially when you eat them with sliced apples and a glass of milk!”

Get the kids involved! They’ll have fun rolling the dough into bite sized balls.

Preparation Time: 5 minutes

Makes: 10 servings (30 energy balls)

Serving Size: 3 energy balls

Tips

These energy balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for up to 1 month.

Ingredients
Raw whole almonds	1 cup (250 mL)
Whole hazelnuts or other nuts	1 cup (250 mL)
Pitted Medjool dates	1 cup (250 mL), about 12
Golden raisins	1 cup (250 mL)
Pure maple syrup	2 Tbsp (30 mL)
Ground cinnamon	1 tsp (5 mL)

Directions

Wash hands with soap and warm water for least 20 seconds. Clean all countertops and equipment used for food preparation.
In the bowl of a food processor, pulse together almonds and hazelnuts until they are finely ground.
Add dates, raisins, maple syrup and cinnamon; pulse until thick sticky dough forms.
Using a tbsp (15 mL) roll mixture using clean hands into balls and place on parchment paper lined baking sheet.
Place in the refrigerator for about 1 hour or until they are chilled. Store in the fridge at or below 4ºC (40ºF).