Power Balls

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When that 3 o'clock dip hits and you really feel like a nap, but can't exactly grab a pillow and snooze under your desk, your body wants a quick burst of energy to lift it out of it's cortisol nosedive. Often, our body wants something sugary because it inherently knows that's the quickest way to get a jolt. But, just as easily as you get that uptick in energy, you will get the crash. Instead try reaching for a snack that is packed with protein and very little sugar. Chocolate also helps. This aptly name little nugget tastes great by itself or with a little afternoon herbal tea and will keep you going until your next meal. 

Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 12-14 balls
Level: Easy

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INGREDIENTS

• 3 large Medjool dates, pitted, use more if using the smaller ones
• 3.5-ounce dark chocolate, melted and cooled (72-85% cacao) 
• 1 ½ cups almonds
• ½ cup peanuts
• 2 tablespoons almond butter
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons cacao powder
• 2 tablespoons Sukrin Brown Sugar substitute (erythritol)
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

PREPARATION

1. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment and set aside. 
2. Place the Medjool dates in bowl and cover with some boiling water. Let soak for 10 minutes. 
3. Rough chop the chocolate and place in a bowl. Microwave for 1 minute. Remove and stir. Pop back in for another 20 seconds and set sit for a few minutes, then stir until smooth. Set aside.
4. In a mini chopper, chop almonds and peanuts. Remove from mini chopper and place nuts in a large bowl.
5. Place the dates in the mini chopper along with almond butter, honey, cacao powder, brown sugar substitute, and vanilla extract. Pulse until smooth. Place in the bowl with the nuts and start mixing together. 
6. Pour the melted chocolateinto the bowl with the chopped nuts and either using a spatula or your hands, mix well. Take a taste at this point to see if you might need more honey or brown sugar substitute. 
7. Place about 2 tablespoons of the mixture in your hand and roll into a ball. Place the balls on the lined baking sheet and place in the refrigerator to set for a couple of hours.
8. If you are in a rush, pop them in the freezer for 30 minutes!