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No-Bake Date Energy Balls

Global

No-Bake Date Energy Balls

Chewy little bites of dates, oats and nut butter: a naturally sweet snack that beats a chocolate bar.

~20 mintotal~82 kcalper serving~2g protein~14g carbs~2g fat

Estimated. Worked out from the ingredients using the UK food composition tables, so treat it as a guide rather than a measurement. A typical recipe lands within about a quarter of the true figure. Makes about 12.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup pitted dates
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 2 tbsp nut butter
  • 1 tbsp cocoa or cacao
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds
  • Pinch of salt

Cooking Steps

  1. Blend the dates to a paste in a food processor.

  2. Add the oats, nut butter, cocoa, chia and salt; pulse to a sticky dough.

  3. Roll into 12–15 balls.

  4. Chill 30 minutes to firm up.

Optional Enhancements

  • Roll in desiccated coconut
  • Add protein powder
  • Swap cocoa for cinnamon

Plant & Growing Tips

Mint

  • Not in the recipe, but grow it for a fresh garnish or a cleansing tea to accompany the rich energy balls.
  • Plant mint in a pot to contain its vigorous spreading habit, or use root barriers if planting directly in the ground.
  • Mint thrives in partial shade with consistently moist soil; avoid direct, harsh afternoon sun in hot climates.

Raspberries

  • Not in the recipe, but grow them for a fresh, tart counterpoint to the sweetness of the energy balls.
  • Plant bare-root canes in late winter or early spring in a sunny spot with well-drained, slightly acidic soil.
  • Provide sturdy support, such as a trellis or wires, for the canes to grow on, especially for floricane (summer-fruiting) varieties.

Natural Pest Control

  • For mint, check regularly for spider mites and aphids; spray with a strong jet of water or insecticidal soap.
  • Protect raspberries from birds with netting as the fruits begin to ripen.
  • Monitor raspberry canes for cane borers; prune out and destroy affected canes promptly.

Harvest

Mint

  • Harvest mint leaves as needed, by pinching off individual leaves or cutting entire stems just above a leaf node to encourage bushier growth.

Raspberries

  • Pick raspberries when they are fully coloured, plump, and easily detach from the receptacle (the white core) with a gentle pull.
  • Harvest frequently, every 1-2 days, during the fruiting season to encourage more production and prevent overripe fruit.

Storing & Freezing

Fridge up to 2 weeks; freeze 2 months.

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