No-bake Power Balls
MAKES 24 BALLS
This snack is particularly suitable for a lateafternoon energy boost, write Tina Landsman Abbey and Gail Goldfarb Karp.
Dr. Joe points out that shelled pumpkin seeds are a source of L-tryptophan, the body’s precursor to serotonin — a neurotransmitter with antianxiety properties. They are also a good source of protein, iron, zinc, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, copper and potassium.
Because of their relatively high fat content, pumpkin seeds as well as sunflower seeds should be stored in airtight containers and refrigerated or frozen, he notes: refrigerate raw seeds for up to six months and keep them frozen for up to a year.
Dry ingredients
1 cup (250 mL) rolled oats
¼ cup (60 mL) unsweetened coconut flakes
¼ cup (60 mL) lightly ground flax seeds
¼ cup (60 mL) raw sunflower seeds
¼ cup (60 mL) raw pumpkin seeds
1 to 2 tsp (5 to 10 mL) ground cinnamon or ground cardamom
Wet ingredients
½ cup (125 mL) almond or cashew butter
(*see note)
1/3 cup (80 mL) honey 1 tsp (5 mL) pure vanilla extract Pinch kosher salt
▶ In a large bowl, combine all dry ingredients. In another large bowl, combine the wet ingredients. Add dry ingredients to wet ones and mix until well blended. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
▶ Remove from fridge and, working with slightly wet hands, take about a heaping tablespoon of mixture and roll it into a ball. If mixture seems too sticky, add a bit more oat bran. Store in an airtight container in refrigerator or freezer.
▶ *Note: You can make your own almond or cashew butter — as long as you have a strong food processor. Start with 2 cups (500 mL) of raw almonds with skins or raw cashews. Spread in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Roast almonds for about 10 to 12 minutes in a 375 F (190 C) oven and cashews for 5 to 7 minutes. In each case, rotate baking sheet halfway through.
▶ Let nuts cool slightly, about 10 minutes or so. Then place in food processor and, using the steel blade, process until smooth and creamy — between 10 and 20 minutes. Stop processor from time to time to let motor rest and scrape down the sides with a spatula.