Peppermint Cacao Energy Bites. Vegan. GF.
Despite having a huge tree in my living room, I’m still not believing that December is upon us. I’ve been doing some Christmas shopping and I thought I better get a jump on some festive treats to have around the house. I’m not a big cookie or cake fan but bites… they are so easy and pack a nutritional punch on-the-go plus great for my girls before or after practice or after school. I just love these and they come together in no time.
These are great frozen – enhancing that pepperminty flavor. These also make a great holiday treat to make for friends or co-workers.
Ingredients:
1.25 cups of raw almonds
10 pitted, very fresh and soft Medjool dates
2 tablespoons of raw cacao powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract
2 tablespoons of vegan mini chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
Pinch of salt
4-6 candy canes or 1/2 cup of peppermint sticks
Directions:
Place your almonds into your food processor and break down the nuts into a chunkier flour texture – avoid over-processing to a flour. Some larger pieces add texture. Then add the dates, cacao, extracts and blend. Then add chocolate chips and salt. Blend together. To test if the mixture is soft enough – pinch between two fingers. If it sticks, you’re ready. If not, add an additional date or two if necessary.
Next, remove your mixture and add it to a bowl from your processor. Wash out the food processor bowl and dry well. Add about 1/2 of a cup of pepper sticks or candy canes and blend until broken down. Place that on a plate or a bowl for rolling.
Using a small scoop, scoop the mixture and roll it into a ball and place it on a platter. Repeat until all of the mixture is used. Then roll into the peppermint mixture. Store in an airtight container in the freezer or refrigerator. Recipe yield about 12-14 bites.
Another option is to roll into raw cacao powder as well.
Sunday: 12 outdoor miles
Monday: 10 treadmill miles/strength/core
Tuesday: 12 outdoor miles
Wednesday: Rest day.
Thursday: 16 miles
Friday: Travel day.
I apologize for being MIA as of late. We have sadly experienced two deaths in our family in one week.
— Knead to Cook
HOW DO YOU THINK THE EGGNOG BREAD W/RUM GLAZE WILL DO IF I MADE IT IN A REGULAR BUNT PAN INSTEAD OF MINI LOAF PANS?
I think it would be fine but baking time will definitely need adjustments. Sorry for the delay. We had a death in the family.
oxo
This is an odd comment, but any chance this would work with soaked figs? I ran out of dates and don’t want to grocery shop before I need to make these! I have probably the equivalent of figs in my fridge. These were great last year and can’t wait to make again 🙂
Martha, Great question but I haven’t tested it. If you do, please let me know. oxo