I’ve been to Thailand since my last post (…I know, lucky me!) and while I was away, coconut was pretty much a staple food in all meals – hence my slightly more exotic Coconut & Lime Energy Balls.
Those of you who are regular visitors to my blog will already know of my love for coconut, so it’ll be no surprise that I was in food heaven. Coconut was everywhere with every meal and I mean EVERY meal. From coconut pancakes/coconut bircher museli for breakfast, to green coconut curry for dinner and coconut chips and smoothies for snacks. LUSH. So, obviously, I came back with a shed load of coconut snacks and a whole lot more love for the flavour. After a few days back from Thailand I was missing my coconut flavoured life and so were born my Coconut & Lime Energy Balls. A healthy-ier snack which are great for pre and post gym sessions (to blast away the extra holiday pounds we – I – all allow ourselves while away) or just for a natural pick me up. Enjoy!
Ingredients for Coconut & Lime Energy Balls
100g soft pitted dates
70g coconut milk*
30g honey/maple syrup if vegan
110g gluten free oats
90g desiccated coconut
2 limes (zest and juice)
*I used a can of coconut milk, rather than the fresh cartons you can buy. Firstly, it’s cheaper and secondly, I use the cream that forms rather than the watery layer that you get. Gives you a richer coconut flavour
Also, these are a bit of a cheat – there is no baking required. So these are rather ‘Bright’ than ‘Baking Bright’….!
Makes about 12 golf ball sized bites
1) In a food processor or nurtri bullet chuck in the dates and coconut milk and blitz. At best you’d like quite a fine consistency but don’t worry too much, mine always have a few small lumps – but I like that. Also, with the blitzing you may have to start for a few seconds, then scrape the mixture round and pulp for a few more seconds and repeat util you get the consistency you desire.
2) Once done, add the honey, 60g of the gluten free oats, 20g of the desiccated coconut and the juice and zest of 2 limes and blitz again. (NOTE: this really is quite zingy with 2 limes, which I love. My boyfriend likes just the juice and zest of one. So, if you’re looking for something that packs a punch, go for 2 limes, or if you’re looking for something milder go for 1)
3) Once that is at a smooth-ish consistency, pop it into a medium bowl and add the remaining 50g gluten free oats and 20g of desiccated coconut and stir with a wooden spoon until it has all come together. Set aside for a moment while you chuck in about 50g of desiccated coconut into a small bowl (this is probably too much, but handy for what is about to happen.)
4) Grab a small amount of your mixture and roll it in the palm of your hands to make a golf ball sized shape. Once done, roll the ball into the bowl of desiccated coconut and ‘give it a coat’ (make sure it’s all covered). Repeat with all your ‘dough’ and set aside in Tupperware or on a plate and leave to set in the fridge for a few hours. These are best kept in the fridge until you want one. Although I have had a few wrapped in my bag and they have lasted until I’ve needed them later in the day.
There you have it….my Coconut & Lime Energy Balls!
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