Sunday treats!

This recipe has tried to bring me down one too many times. It’s been a labor of love but I finally have it figured out and can’t wait to share!

If you’ve never heard of Lara Bars, they’re a natural fruit & nut bar. Naturally gluten free, and so are mine! They’re sweet and full of flavor.

I like to think of these No Bake Energy Balls as a version of Lara Bars. Only better because I’m bias.

Dates

+

Pecans 

+

Lemon Zest

+

Vanilla Extract 

+

Coconut Flakes 

---

Benefits of Dates:

Weight loss
Relieving constipation, supporting regular bowel movements
Promoting heart health, reducing heart disease risk
Iron-deficiency anemia
Reducing blood pressure
Promoting respiratory and digestive health
Chronic conditions such as arthritis
Preventing colon cancer

 

If you don’t have pecans on hand or you don’t particularly like them, almonds would also work with this! Lemon zest is optional but I would highly recommend. I would choose anything lemon over chocolate any day. These really can be modified for your specific taste.

You can make these into bars if you prefer. I happen to think rolling them into balls is the cutest and most fun way to eat them.

I was home in Napoleon for a couple of days recently and my mom gave me this cute old mason jar. I keep mine in that but any airtight container will do. Keep these in the fridge or freezer ( I prefer freezer ) and enjoy for about 2 weeks.

No Bake Energy Balls (dates + lemon) 

---

ingredients:  

• 20 large dates, pitted
• 3 tbsp. pecans or almonds
• 3 tbsp. coconut flates
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 tsp. lemon zest (I use zest from 1 whole lemon)

directions: 

• In a food processor or high-speed blender, (I use my Vitamix) combine all ingredients until a sticky dough forms. Add up to 1 tbsp water if needed to thin mixture.
• With your hands or a cookie/ice cream scoop form 1 inch balls and store in the refrigerator or freezer.

Reminders: Make sure not to add too much water or the dough will be too thin. Store these in any airtight container with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Mine weren’t too terribly sticky. If they are sticking to your hands while you try to form them into balls, rub a little coconut oil on your hands (like you would with lotion) to prevent sticking.

These are a perfect little sweet treat when you’re trying to cut back on processed sugar. All natural & gluten free. I love these after a meal, just one is enough to fix any sweet cravings you may have. Even better with a cup of coffee.

This is one of the many recipes on my Bye-Bye Bloat eBook coming soon. Let me know how these turn out for you!

all my love,