Coconut Almond Energy Bites

Ingredients

• 20 Medjool dates (pitted)
• 1/2 - 3/4 cup dry roasted unsalted almonds (or peanuts or cashews)
• 1 cup unsweetened (shredded coconut (see notes))
• 2 tablespoons almond butter (or peanut butter)
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• OPTIONAL: chia seeds (hemp seeds, flax meal)

Instructions

1. 1

   Soak the dates in a bowl with hot water and allow to soften for just a few minutes. Remove the dates from the water and wipe them with a kitchen towel.

2. 2

   Pulse 1/2 cup of almonds in a food processor if you want the energy bites to have a smooth texture and 3/4 cup of almonds if you want a more crunchy texture. You want them to break down into smaller pieces. If you used 3/4 cup of almonds, remove 3 tablespoons of pulsed almonds to a bowl, set aside.

3. 3

   Add the 1/2 cup of shredded coconut, almond butter, sea salt, and any optional seeds, along with the dates to the food processor and continue to pulse until a soft dough ball forms. Taste and add additional salt to taste. Remove the dough ball to a bowl and add the reserved 3 tablespoons of pulsed almonds (if using). Roll the dough into small balls - you'll get about 12-16 pieces. Then roll the energy balls in the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded coconut. Place on a baking sheet and allow to harden in the refrigerator or freezer. Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator or freezer.