Ginger Macadamia Nut Energy Balls

Running late to the expo this morning because I'm finishing up making these as I type! COME VISIT AND SAMPLE these Ginger Macadamia Nut Energy Bars (I made balls) at the Yaletown Naturopathic Clinic booth!

Click here for information about this last day of the Body, Soul and Spirit Expo happening from 11AM till 6PM today at the Roundhouse in Vancouver

Book and appointment and recieve a free Nourishing Meals Cookbook at your initial visit! This recipe is from the book.

This easy to make treat is packed with protein, good fats and blood sugar stabilizing herbs for a tasty and healthy treat. Great to take along on hikes, snacks for the family throughout the day, or for breakfast along side a greens smoothie!

Recipe:

1 1/2 cups raw macadamia nuts

1 cup pitted medjool dates (about 10)

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ginger

1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom

pinch sea salt

Place the nuts into a food processor fitted with the "s" blade and process for about 60 to 90 seconds or until finely ground. Then add the dates, spices, and salt. Process again for another 60 to 90 seconds or until the dates are completely ground and the mixture is starting to form a ball.

Press the mixture into an 8 x 8-inch pan and refrigerate for 4 to 5 hours. Then cut into bar shapes and individually wrap in waxed paper. You can also roll the mixture into balls and then roll in shredded coconut.

Yield: 12 bars

VARIATION: For chocolate energy bars, omit spices and add 4 tablespoons raw cacao powder alonf wiht 2 tablespoons mented coconut oil.

What I changed: I doubled the recipe and transferred it to a bowl after processing. Because I did not have time to refrigerate them for hours and the mixture was stickier than I would like I went ahead with adding cacao freely to the mixture along with the spices. I also added ground sunflower seeds till I got the drier, and easier to mold, consistency that I wanted.

Enjoy!