Brain Boosting Snack Balls

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http://be-alice.blogspot.com/2017/03/brain-boosting-tahini-date-snack-balls.html

It's about time for another recipe post, hey? And of course it's a snack – because I am one huge snacker. Especially now, with writing my master thesis and all, I need something to keep my brain working and boost my energy in between.

These energy balls are super easy to make, and very satisfying, both for your taste buds and your tired brain.

Tahini is a seed butter made from sesame seeds that are hulled, ground, and toasted. It is not only great in hummus and baba ghanoush, but also in desserts. Rich in minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, lecithin, magnesium, potassium and iron, tahini is a great source of essential nutrients, helps regulate blood pressure and cholesterol, can help balance hormones, helps improve skin and bone health, and boosts nutrient absorption. (source). It is also high in vitamin E and vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5 and B15, and provides 20% complete protein, making it a higher protein source than most nuts. 

Dates are also a great source of energy, sugar and fiber as they contain essential minerals such as calcium, sulphur, iron, potassium, phosphorous, manganese, copper and magnesium. They are also rich in vitamins such as thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate, vitamin A and vitamin K. (source) As such, they improve vision, digestion, bone health, nervous system, aid in weight loss and increase sexual stamina. What's not to like, eh?


TAHINI DATE SNACK BALLS

Preparation time: 10 mins
Main ingredients: dates, tahini, buckwheat
difficulty level: easy
makes: 12 - 15 balls
suitable for: vegan, lactose-free, gluten-free, nut-free

Ingredients

1 cup soft dates (soaked in warm water if not soft enough)
1 cup almonds
1 cup buckwheat
1/3 cup tahini
1/2 tsp cinnamon
pinch of salt 
 
To coat:
- yellow: turmeric powder
- brown: cocoa powder
- green: barley grass powder (or wheat grass or matcha powder)
- white: shredded coconut (or sesame or hemp seeds)
 

Instructions

In a food processor, blend the almonds, buckwheat and dates until they form a coarse crumb. Add in cinnamon, salt and tahini, and process until a dough-like mixture is formed.

Roll the dough mixture into 1/2 - 1 tbsp sized balls, and place on a plate or baking sheet. Roll in desired toppings (I use turmeric, cocoa, barley grass powder and shredded coconut), alternatively, dip the balls into melted dark chocolate and chill in the refrigerator to setsooo good. Other coating options include crushed nuts, hemp hearts, chia seeds, goji berries, freeze dried and pulverized raspberries, etc.

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to several weeks (possibly longer, though I usually run out within a couple of days), or in the freezer indefinitely.
 



Maisy

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