Ma Wee Baws (of energy!)

If you’ve practiced at my home studio or at any of my workshops and events, you’ll be familiar with my love of tasty and nutritious snacks.

These wee balls are a great pre/post-practice munch as they are tasty, light and full of useful nutrients and minerals, including Vitamin E, magnesium and healthy unsaturated fatty acids if you use almonds in your nut mixture.

These are also great for pre/post-workout, packed lunch boxes, morning coffee sit downs or late afternoon pick-me-ups!

Be flexible in your approach to these – it’s more fun to throw bits of things together and then taste and edit accordingly to how you want it to taste than being too stern about sticking to weights and measurements…

Ingredients

• Approx 250g of almonds (or any mixture of nuts you like but avoid using exclusively peanuts as the flavour is quite overpowering)
• 10-12 dates, pitted (Medjool are great, but other dates or even prunes work well if you like their taste)
• Tahini, peanut butter or almond butter – about 2/3 tablespoons
• Cocoa – approx. 3 tbsp or more for chocolately goodness
• A good pinch of cinnamon
• A pinch sea salt
• A few splashes of water
• Flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds – approx. 1 tablespoon of each (optional)

 

Method

1. Blend the almonds (or nut mixture) into the food processor until well broken up, then remove and place in a bowl to one side.

2. Put the dates and a small drop of water in the food processor

and blend it all into a paste (stop and scrape the sides when needed).

3. Combine your nut mix and all other ingredients, another dash of water and blend again.

Add more “wet” ingredients if it seems too dry and crumbly.

Add more “dry” ingredients if it seems too wet and sticky.

4. Use a spoon, scoop out an amount and roll into the palm of your hand until you have the size and shape you want and place the wee baws in a tupperware box or on baking paper on one level, don’t stack them! This can be done after they have been frozen.

5. Place all the balls in the freezer for approx. two hours, then move to the refrigerator or keep them in the freezer for up to two months (I think but mine NEVER last that long!!)

 

Other things you can add: honey (not vegan) or agave or maple syrup (vegan), maca powder or oats for an extra energy boost, flaxseed, protein powder, dried coconut, other dried fruit such as cranberries or raisins.

Enjoy!