There is nothing like cooking and baking to help pull you out of a funky mood.
With everything going on in the world right now, I find myself enjoying cooking and baking even more. It’s like a pause, or a moment to breathe and not think about anything else. Kind of like a meditation but not so spiritual.
I think that as we all find ourselves locked in our houses and trying to be healthy and move our bodies more, cooking/baking healthy things will be so important for our bodies and souls.
I wanted to share with you all my go to protein balls recipe. I don’t usually measure the ingredients but I wanted to be able to share this with you all so I tried paying attention so I could pass this on to you all.
You need just a few ingredients and you can use any nuts you prefer. I generally go for almonds or walnuts. They are easy to find and usually cost a little less than cashews. :)
All you need for this recipe is a blender or food processor. I generally use a nutri-bullet and sometimes I have a little trouble and need to scrape down the sides and blend a few times, but it’s not too bad.
I hope you are all staying safe and taking care of yourselves. It’s a time to care for our bodies, minds and spirit. We have a lot of time, so let’s use it wisely.
INGREDIENTS:
2 cups of dates (preferably already pitted)
2 cups of almonds, walnuts or cashew nuts
2 heaping tablespoons of almond butter (or peanut butter)
As much cinnamon as you like
2 teaspoons of chia seeds
Optional: chocolate chips, dried coconut or any other ingredient you want to put in to add some crunch or texture.
INSTRUCTIONS:
In a food processor (or blender) add in half of the ingredients and blend well. I usually like to see the nuts and dates so I don’t blend for too long, but you can blend for longer if you want smoother consistency.
* I generally blend everything in 2 batches since I want to make sure everything is blended as well as possible. If the processor or blender is too full it may have issue mixing everything together. But if you have a great food processor, by all means mix everything together at once.
Have a medium bowl ready and add the first mix to your bowl. Set aside.
Put in the second half of the ingredients in the food processor and then put this mix in the bowl with the first part you already blended.
Feel free to add some chocolate chips or any other ingredient you want to add for crunch now.
Mix the ingredients in the bowl together with a big spoon and make sure the consistency is a little sticky but firm.
Have a plate or container ready and set aside.
Form balls with1 heaping tablespoon of the mix. The mix should be firm but sticky, but not too sticky. Not too dry that it falls apart either. The peanut butter and dates will help give it that gooey consistency.
Place all protein balls in a container and leave covered so they don’t dry.
I usually leave them in the fridge for 30 mins and then they are ready to eat! ENJOY!
I hope you enjoy this recipe. Please share you pictures and comment below if you enjoyed the protein balls.
Stay safe and take care of yourselves.
x love & light x
Lorena
