Some of my favorite memories are spent with family, especially my nephews who live TOO FAR away! I recently traveled to Baltimore to visit my sister and her young family. She has 3 amazing boys and I don’t get to see them often enough. The youngest is 3 (going on 8) and always eager to help out in the kitchen. So I was lucky enough to have him as my helper for the afternoon. I chose this recipe because it is simple and fun. Date energy balls are a kid-friendly option that allows them to get their hands dirty and partake in the fun! No surprise my little nephew loved making these and thoroughly enjoyed testing all the ingredients… especially the chocolate chips.

These date energy balls are a nice all-natural, healthy way to get some good fats and carbs when on the go.  My nephews are always on the run and could use a quick, portable and calorie dense snack like this one. And boy did they devour a handful of these date balls within minutes of getting off the school bus. My sister was thrilled with their reaction and already has plans to make more for her family.

Check out the recipe below!



Ingredients:

·      8 dates chopped into small cubes

·      ½ cup natural peanut butter

·      2 TBS chia seeds

·      ½ cup quick cooking oats

·      3 TBS Lilys chocolate chips

·      cocoa powder for dusting



Instructions:

1      Finely chop dates and place in large bowl.

2      Measure remaining ingredients and place in bowl.

3      Stir until mixture begins to form a dough ball.

4      Get those hands dirty and form quarter-sized balls.

5      Dust with a little cocoa powder.

6      Enjoy right away or refrigerate in air tight container.

Optional: You can add additional dried fruit or nuts if desired

MAKES 24e ENERGY BALLS