maca chocolate balls

A snack that boosts your energy instead of draining it, a treat that looks like truffles and tastes like a decadent indulgence - these power balls are flour-free, sugar-free and packed with protein and healthy fats.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup almonds + 15 almonds reserved
• 1/2 cup walnuts
• a pinch of salt
• 3 Tbsp maca powder
• 2 Tbsp raw cacao powder
• 1/4 cup shredded coconut
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 3/4 cup Medjool dates
• 1 Tbsp coconut oil
• 1 Tbsp water + more if necessary

Method:

1. Add 1/2 cup almonds, walnuts and salt to food processor. Blend till very fine to the texture of sand.
2. Add remaining ingredients. Blend again, until mixture begins to thicken and stick together.
3. Check texture by pinching a bit between your fingers. It should be sticky and able to keep its shape. If mixture is too dry, add more water.
4. Pour mixture in a bowl. Shape mixture with your hands into mini golf balls. Place 1 almond in the center. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to a week.

pecan power balls

I love making these balls so much because I can improvise with whatever nuts and seeds I have on hand. I might have pecans but no walnuts, hemp seeds but no chia, peanut butter but no almond butter......When it comes to these balls, anything goes. Substitute away!

Ingredients:

• 6 Tbsp ground pecans, plus 1/4 cup finely chopped pecans*
• 1/4 cup ground flaxseed^
• 2 Tbsp chia seeds
• 2 Tbsp maple syrup
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 Tbsp almond butter
• a large pinch of salt

Method:

1. In a bowl, combine and thoroughly mix together all ingredients (except finely chopped pecans) until they form a dough. Refrigerate for 15 minutes until dough is firm but still pliable.
2. Spread chopped pecans on a plate. Scoop out a heaping teaspoon of dough and, with wet hands shape it into a ball. Roll it into chopped pecans until fully coated. Repeat with the remaining dough. You should have about a dozen of them.
3. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

* To make ground pecans, use a grinder or food processor. The texture should be coarser than flour and similar to sand.

^ Because I use flaxseed a lot for my morning oatmeal and smoothies, I dedicate a small coffee grinder exclusively for grinding flaxseed so I don't have to clean up the grinder after each use.