Peanut Butter, Date and Oat Bliss Balls | 椰棗燕麥能量球

If a granola bar and a chocolate peanut butter cookie dough had a love child, it would be this Peanut Butter, Date and Oat Bliss Ball. They are brown, shaped like meatballs, flecked with seeds, nuts, and specks of dried fruit, and are known interchangeably as energy balls. Typically found only behind display cases in those scarce health food-conscious cafes charging a whopping HKD30 a piece, these rather unadorned, ordinary-looking balls of joy may not immediately draw attention from Instagram-crazed foodies, much less do they receive the recognition they deserve. For those who have yet to be initiated into the world of energy balls, time to get onboard!

Bliss balls are not called "bliss" without a reason. Jam-packed with whole foods and super foods, bliss balls are chock full of nutrients with a satiating combination of proteins, good carbs, healthy fats, fiber - and flavor. They are a breeze to make, requiring no baking or cooking, can be made ahead in batches, and are fully portable - making them the perfect quick pre- or post-workout fuel, midday pick-me-up snack, or that perfect grab-and-go breakfast on those rushed mornings.

Two to three of these energy bites in the morning typically keep me full till lunch time so, in short, these babies are essentially the (almost entirely) guilt-free snack that can help keep hunger pangs at bay and conquer those sudden cravings for junk food which always, inevitably end with regret. Especially at 1am watching Will & Grace on Netflix.

This recipe takes advantage of dates as the natural sweetener and binder for the bliss balls and contains no added sugar or oil. And while dates, dried cranberries and raisins bring sweetness and tartness, dark chocolate and peanut butter rounds off every bite with an irresistible savoriness and familiar oompf. I like to use chunky peanut butter for added texture, but a smooth one will do as well. Bliss balls are fully customizable, so feel free to follow your heart's desire and experiment with your favorite ingredients! Switch peanut butter out for almond or other nut butters; toss in chopped nuts or chia seeds and hemp seeds for an extra boost of protein and essential fatty acids.

Need a quick snack on the go? These flavor-packed bliss balls are the perfect little boosts of energy!

What you'll need...

1 cup (200 g) pitted Medjool dates*
1 1/2 cup instant oats
1/3 cup peanut butter
2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 cup warm water
1/3 cup sunflower seeds
2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds
1/4 cup dried cranberries
2 tablespoons raisins
2 tablespoons shredded coconut
35 g dark chocolate, chopped

Note: If the dates are dry, soak in warm water for 10 mins then drain well.

Directions...
1. In a food processor, pulse sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds to break into smaller pieces. This is an important step to avoid whole seeds from jutting out or causing the energy bites to crumble. Set aside. Place the Medjool dates into the food processor and chop until small pieces remain or until a sticky mass forms.

2. In a small bowl, combine peanut butter, vanilla extract, and warm water until it reaches the consistency of honey. In a large mixing bowl, mix together all ingredients until well combined. Roll mixture into 1-inch balls and refrigerate for 1-2 hours or until firm. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze the balls. Enjoy on the go!

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【 椰棗燕麥能量球 】

材料：
無核椰棗                200 克
即溶燕麥片            150 克
花生醬                    85 克
純雲尼拿香油         2 茶匙
溫水                        60 毫升
葵花籽                     5 湯匙
南瓜籽                     2 湯匙
蔓越莓乾                 4 湯匙
提子乾                     2 湯匙
椰絲                         2 湯匙
70% 巧克力             35 克

做法：
1. 葵花籽和南瓜籽用攪拌器輕輕打碎備用，有助減少能量球鬆散的機會。
2. 把椰棗放在攪拌器裡打碎至形成黏黏的一團。
3. 花生醬注入溫水和雲尼拿香油，拌勻。
4. 把所有材料拌勻，用手揉成球狀後冷藏 1-2 小時即可享用！

備註：若果椰棗感覺太乾，可先以溫水泡浸片刻。待軟化後瀝乾備用。

Tried this recipe?
Share with me or leave a comment! #alvinspenthousekitchen 
Find me on Instagram @alvinckl and @alvin.penthousekitchen and follow my Facebook Fan Page!