Trying to Avoid Sugar? Try These Perfect Protein Energy Balls/"Brownie" Snacks

 

Again, a big shout-out to Christine C. for this recipe! Below, I've included a similar recipe that uses only 3 ingredients: raw almonds (can use other favorite nuts), majool dates and cacao powder.

 

Ingredients

·       1 1/2 cup almonds (or other nuts) I use peanuts

·       1 cup pitted medjool dates

·       1 tbsp coconut oil

·       1 tbsp cacao powder

·       1 tbsp protein powder 

·       1 tbsp chia seeds I use 2 tbsp

Instructions

·       Blend nuts in a food processor.

·       Add remaining ingredients to the food processor and blend until you get a smooth mixture.

·       Roll into little balls and store in the fridge or freezer.

 

This can be doubled and stored in the freezer (I put them on wax paper in a pyrex container)

Here's a variation on this from the cookbook, "Deliciously Ella" by Ella Woodward 

Ingredients

2 cups of raw almonds (or cashews or peanuts or even assorted raw nuts)

20 pitted Mejool dates (I buy them w/pits and then take them out b/c I find that the pitted ones are drier. The more sticky they are, the better the mixture holds together.)

3 TB of cacao powder (not coco powder b/c of it contains sugar)

Instructions

• Blend nuts in a food processor
• Add remaining ingredients and blend well
• Spread into a rectangular, freezer proof dish, then place in the freezer for an hour. 

Cut into brownie-sized pieces and enjoy!

ps - I keep my "brownies" in the freezer  or the refrigerator rather store them at room temp.