I often get asked about healthy snacks.
What do I eat when I have a sweet tooth?
These Bee Pollen Energy Balls are my new favourite treat and all you need are a few simple ingredients.
I love the sweetness of the dates, the crunch of the nuts and the energy from the bee pollen.
Bonus: Bee Pollen is an excellent source of protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins and minerals including potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc and iron and it's nutritious too.
Keep these in the fridge or freezer and when you need a burst of energy you will be ready for action.
Enjoy and have a ball!
Bee Pollen Energy Balls with Dates and Chia Seeds
This recipe makes about 10 energy balls
Ingredients
1 cup walnuts or pecans, soaked at least 6 hours or overnight, rinsed well
2 tbsp bee pollen
1/2 tsp coconut oil
10 dates, (you may need more)
1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
1/4 tsp salt
1 tbsp chia gel (chia seeds soaked in water for at least an hour)
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp cinnamon
Optional toppings: bee pollen, hemp hearts and flaked unsweetened coconut
Directions
1. Soak the dates if dry. I like to soak for about 10 minutes in warm water, drain and dry well.
2. Make the chia gel by adding 1 tbsp of chai seeds to 3 tbsp of water, let sit for 10 minutes or until gel-like.
3. Put all ingredients into a food processor and process until well mixed. The mixture will start to gather around the blade, you may need to scrape off with a spatula and continue processing until well combined.
4. Transfer the mixture to a medium sized bowl and shape into balls by rolling in your hand.
5. If you like a bit more crunch then roll in bee pollen, hemp hearts or unsweetened coconut.
6. Store in the fridge or freezer until firm, then eat.
Cooks Notes
Be sure to keep any unused bee pollen refrigerated or in the freezer to avoid spoilage.
If you have allergies, check with your doctor before using bee pollen.
I like to keep in the freezer.