Sunday Night Power Balls

 I'm always looking for super healthy (and super easy) snacks for my little one. I seem to be spending way too much time in supermarket aisles checking ingredients lists for dodgy additives and anything that sounds suspiciously "scientific". And somehow I always end up schlepping home with good ol' mini boxes of sultanas and some variety of "wholesome" biscuit that I'm still dubious about (what is "thickener" anyway?). Alas, the lovely Louise over at Table Tonic, may just have made my year with her recipe for Power Balls. These little babies are packed full of goodness and delicious - our son loves them. They're ridiculously quick and easy to make, you can use whatever combination of nuts and seeds you like and they store in the freezer. I ask you, could it be any easier?

Table Tonic Sunday Night Power Balls

(makes around 20 balls)

1 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds)

1/2 cup walnuts

250g pitted medjool dates (the fresh, wrinkly ones)

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

 1/4 cup shredded coconut

2 tablespoons chia seeds

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pinch of sea salt 

1. Place all ingredients (except dates & vanilla) in a food processor and blend on high until finely ground.  

2. Add the vanilla & dates (one at a time) through the feed tube of the food processor while it is running. What you should end up with is a mix that appears rather like cake crumbs, but that when pressed, will easily stick together (if the mixture does not hold together well, add more dates).  

3. Roll into small golf balls - or you may prefer to press the mixture into a tray lined with baking paper (place in the fridge to set, then tip out and slice into squares/bars and freeze).  

4. Store in an airtight container (ie tupperware or glass jar) in the freezer and eat them straight from the freezer - they'll be lovely and firm, but not rock hard as the good oils in the nuts and seeds won't freeze!

Know a delightfully healthy kids snack recipe? Please, do tell!