¼ c. unroasted almonds or any kind of nut or seed
¾ c. old fashioned rolled oats, uncooked
2 T. ground flax seed
2–3 T. cocoa powder, depending on how chocolatey you want them
10 oz. dates
1–2 T. coconut oil, melted

Place almonds in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped. Add oats, flax seed, and cocoa powder. Pulse a few more times to combine. Place dates into the food processor and turn on for about 30 seconds, or until finely chopped. Mixture should be crumbly at this point. Drizzle 1 T. coconut oil over the top of the date mixture and process for 5–10 seconds. Test mixture by squeezing between your finger and thumb. If it’s too dry to stick together add more coconut oil (up to 1 T. more). Using your hands, roll mixture into 1-inch balls. Refrigerate for about 20 minutes, or until firm. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This Energy Ball recipe is a little something that I enjoy for an afternoon snack with some green tea. It’s a great and healthy pick-me-up. Makes 24.

Julie Barr, Manistique