Spiced ginger, lemon & vanilla bean raw energy balls

Healthy eating so often comes down to planning doesn't it? If you get caught out starving and without great food options at hand, then unsatisfying choices are inevitable. I'm a bit a of nerdy, planning ninja. I always prep and plan meals and snacks in advance and get a kick out of knowing the fridge, cupboards and freezer have yummy wholesome offerings.

I make raw energy snack balls like this every couple of weeks. They are an awesome option for my 3pm sweet craving. For a while I tried to curtail my need for something sweet in the afternoon and it is possible to skip it but actually I really really enjoy my afternoon treat. I just make sure I  have naturally sweetened options like these spicy, caremelly and deliciously lemony balls. I only need one and the need for sweet is sorted. 

I store them in the freezer as they last ages and ages that way (no rush to eat the whole batch) and I love the firm fudge texture eating them when frozen. This recipe is super adaptable. Use whatever nuts you have. Just follow the proportions.

Have a GREAT week. Sending lots of positive vibes your way. Kelly x

Spiced ginger, lemon & vanilla bean raw energy balls

(makes 25 - 30 balls)

1 cup raw cashew nuts

1 cup raw walnuts

1/2 cup raw almonds

3 Tbsp sesame seeds

1 cup dates - soaked in warm water for ten minutes prior

1 Tbsp grated ginger root

1 tsp ground ginger powder

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp nutmeg

1/4 tsp ground cloves

1/4 tsp mixed spice

Zest of 1 lemon

juice of one lemon

1 tsp  good quality vanilla extract

pinch sea salt

2 Tbsp chia seeds

3 Tbsp desiccated coconut (plus more for coating)**

**If soaking nuts for 12 hours prior to using (recommended) add 2 Tbsp psyllium or double amount of chia seed used.

lace all the nuts in a food processor. Blitz until you have a course flour texture.

Add the dates and all remaing ingredients. Process until the mixture evenly combined and the texture os reasonable smooth. This will take up to five minutes of stopping the machine, scraping the sides of the bowl and blitzing some more.

Roll teaspoons of mixture into balls and then roll in coconut. Place in the fridge to set for at least two hours for serving,

Sore in the fridge for up to 1 week or in the freezer for 2 months.

Enjoy x