GINGERBREAD ENERGY BALLS

These energy balls make a nutritious, yummy, and very portable snack. Plus, they’re chock-full of health benefits, including:

• Molasses contains energizing iron, as well as calcium and magnesium which are important for bone health

• The oats and flax seeds give you a fiber boost to help keep you feeling fuller longer (awesome for weight management) and your bowel movements regular

• The almond butter contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and immunity-boosting zinc

 They whip up in less than 10 minutes and keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup regular rolled oats

1/4 cup pumpkin seeds

12 dates (pitted)

½ cup almond butter

1 tablespoon ground flaxseed

2 tablespoons molasses

1 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

3/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

2 tablespoons water

INSTRUCTIONS:

Put all ingredients in a food processor and pulse until chopped very finely and the mixture comes together in a sticky mass.  (Add additional water one teaspoon at a time if it’s not quite sticking together—but I haven’t found this to be a problem.) 

Form into 1-inch balls. Makes 12-15 balls. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and enjoy!