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Photo:Photographer: Stacy k. Allen, Props: Christina Brockman, Food Stylist: Lauren Odum
Photographer: Stacy k. Allen, Props: Christina Brockman, Food Stylist: Lauren Odum
Active Time:20 minsTotal Time:50 minsServings:10
Active Time:20 mins
Active Time:
20 mins
Total Time:50 mins
Total Time:
50 mins
Servings:10
Servings:
10
Photographer: Stacy K. Allen, Props: Christina Brockman, Food Stylist: Lauren Odum
Cook Mode(Keep screen awake)Ingredients1cuppitted dried dates1/3cuppacked unsweetened dried tart cherries1/2cupunsalted unsweetened almond butter1/4cupwhole-milk plain strained (Greek-style) yogurt2tablespoonscocoa powder1teaspoonvanilla extract1/2teaspoonsalt1 1/3cupsold-fashioned rolled oats1ouncedark chocolate (70%), broken into pieces1/2teaspoonground cinnamon
Cook Mode(Keep screen awake)
Ingredients
1cuppitted dried dates
1/3cuppacked unsweetened dried tart cherries
1/2cupunsalted unsweetened almond butter
1/4cupwhole-milk plain strained (Greek-style) yogurt
2tablespoonscocoa powder
1teaspoonvanilla extract
1/2teaspoonsalt
1 1/3cupsold-fashioned rolled oats
1ouncedark chocolate (70%), broken into pieces
1/2teaspoonground cinnamon
Directions
Place dates and dried cherries in a small heatproof bowl; cover with boiling water. Let stand until soft, about 10 minutes. Drain well.
Place the drained dates and cherries in a food processor; pulse until coarsely chopped, about 5 pulses. Add almond butter, yogurt, cocoa, vanilla and salt. Pulse until incorporated, 5 to 10 pulses. Add oats; pulse until fully combined and incorporated, about 15 pulses. (Add 1 tablespoon water if the mixture is too thick and stiff.) Transfer the mixture to a medium bowl. Cover and refrigerate for 10 minutes.
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the date mixture onto a sheet of wax paper or parchment paper; roll into a 1-inch ball. Repeat with the remaining date mixture.
Place chocolate in a small microwave-safe bowl; microwave on High until melted, about 1 minute, stirring after 30 seconds.
Drizzle the balls with the melted chocolate; sprinkle with cinnamon. Refrigerate, uncovered, until set, at least 10 minutes.
To make aheadRefrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
To make ahead
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Nutrition InformationServing Size: 3 ballsCalories 203, Fat 9g, Saturated Fat 1g, Cholesterol 1mg, Carbohydrates 28g, Total Sugars 16g, Added Sugars 1g, Protein 5g, Fiber 4g, Sodium 122mg, Potassium 301mg
Nutrition Information
Serving Size: 3 ballsCalories 203, Fat 9g, Saturated Fat 1g, Cholesterol 1mg, Carbohydrates 28g, Total Sugars 16g, Added Sugars 1g, Protein 5g, Fiber 4g, Sodium 122mg, Potassium 301mg
Serving Size: 3 balls
Calories 203, Fat 9g, Saturated Fat 1g, Cholesterol 1mg, Carbohydrates 28g, Total Sugars 16g, Added Sugars 1g, Protein 5g, Fiber 4g, Sodium 122mg, Potassium 301mg
Frequently Asked QuestionsDates are a fruit that offers carbohydrates for energy and fiber for a healthy gut. They add a natural sweetness to recipes and are pretty versatile in recipes. Like other plant foods,dates are loaded with antioxidantsand have been linked with a healthier heart. They even have some antibacterial properties.Cherries are a great source of carbohydrates and fiber, and pack several other nutrients, including vitamin C and some potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron and folate. Cherries are loaded with antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties that may help protect your heart and relieve inflammation in joints. Drinkingtart cherry juice has been linked with improved sleepand memory and lower blood pressure.Energy balls are portable snacks that offer a boost of balanced sustained energy, thanks to the protein and fiber in the oats, yogurt and almond butter. Even thedark chocolate adds nutritional value, including antioxidants that support brain and heart health.Dark chocolate is a fast-melting favorite, but you can easily substitute it with semisweet, milk or white chocolate bars, chips or morsels, or carob. If the chocolate is in bars, chop it up to speed up the melting process.Dried cherries can be used in all of the same ways you would use raisins—and just like raisins, they make the perfect portable snack. We enjoy them in cold and hot breakfast cereals—muesli,overnight oatmealand granola—and in yogurt and bread pudding. They add sweetness to green salads, side dishes, stuffings and applesauce, and they are perfect for baking into muffins and quick breads.Absolutely, and we highly recommend it. An airtight container is the best for storing energy balls at home. In the fridge, they’ll last for about a week. However, if you’ll be toting energy balls for a day trip, we would suggest tucking them into a sturdy container with a lid, as these treats are squishable. You could also use a Mason jar, metal biscuit tin, takeout box or plastic storage container. If they’ll be in a hot car, we’d put them in a cooler.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dates are a fruit that offers carbohydrates for energy and fiber for a healthy gut. They add a natural sweetness to recipes and are pretty versatile in recipes. Like other plant foods,dates are loaded with antioxidantsand have been linked with a healthier heart. They even have some antibacterial properties.
Cherries are a great source of carbohydrates and fiber, and pack several other nutrients, including vitamin C and some potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron and folate. Cherries are loaded with antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties that may help protect your heart and relieve inflammation in joints. Drinkingtart cherry juice has been linked with improved sleepand memory and lower blood pressure.
Energy balls are portable snacks that offer a boost of balanced sustained energy, thanks to the protein and fiber in the oats, yogurt and almond butter. Even thedark chocolate adds nutritional value, including antioxidants that support brain and heart health.
Dark chocolate is a fast-melting favorite, but you can easily substitute it with semisweet, milk or white chocolate bars, chips or morsels, or carob. If the chocolate is in bars, chop it up to speed up the melting process.
Dried cherries can be used in all of the same ways you would use raisins—and just like raisins, they make the perfect portable snack. We enjoy them in cold and hot breakfast cereals—muesli,overnight oatmealand granola—and in yogurt and bread pudding. They add sweetness to green salads, side dishes, stuffings and applesauce, and they are perfect for baking into muffins and quick breads.
Absolutely, and we highly recommend it. An airtight container is the best for storing energy balls at home. In the fridge, they’ll last for about a week. However, if you’ll be toting energy balls for a day trip, we would suggest tucking them into a sturdy container with a lid, as these treats are squishable. You could also use a Mason jar, metal biscuit tin, takeout box or plastic storage container. If they’ll be in a hot car, we’d put them in a cooler.
EatingWell.com, May 2024
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