Cranberry Pistachio Energy Bites

It seems like everyday, just like clockwork, I get a craving for something to eat around 10:00 every morning. I have to be to work fairly early (by 7:00am), so I usually eat breakfast around 6:15, and waiting until noon for lunch just seems like ages away. I found a recipe for no-bake energy bars, and adjusted them a bit to my taste. Then I formed them into balls for convenience (less dishes to clean up). My favorite part is that I get both the sweet and the salty craving taken care of in one swoop. They are packed full of flavor and nutrition, the best of both worlds!

Cranberry Pistachio Energy Bites

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chopped dates
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 tbsp. chia seeds
• 1 tbsp. ground flax seeds
• pinch of salt
• 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats (dry, not cooked)
• 1 cup shelled pistachip nuts
• 1 cup dried cranberries

In a food processor, add the dates, honey, chia seeds, flax seeds, and salt. Pulse until smooth and combined. You should be able to stir the mixture. If it is too thick, add some more honey, a teaspoon at a time.

Transfer the date mixture to a large bowl. Stir in the oats, pistachios, and cranberries until combined. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This will make them easier to handle when forming them into balls.

Once the mixture has had time to cool, use a spoon to scoop 1 tbsp. of the mixture and use your hands to form into balls. Continue to do this with the remaining mixture. Keep in the fridge in an airtight container. They will last for up to 2 weeks.