The sweetness of dark chocolate and the tartness of cranberries give these energy bites delicious holiday flavour. 

This one bowl recipe is quick and easy to make which is ideal for the busy holiday season.

Snack on them while you’re wrapping gifts, after a walk or workout, or take them with you while you’re out shopping or on a road trip.

Enjoy.

INGREDIENTS

makes about 16 bites

• 1 cup gluten free rolled oats
• 2 tablespoons of hemp seeds
• 1/4 cup vegan dark chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup raw pumpkin seeds
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
• 1/2 cup creamy almond butter
• 1/3 cup brown rice syrup

METHOD

In a large mixing bowl combine oats, hemp seeds, dark chocolate chips, pumpkin seeds and cinnamon. Stir until all ingredients are well mixed. Add in the almond butter and brown rice syrup and stir well until it looks like a “dough”. It will be a bit tough to mix. 

Roll the dough into 1 inch size balls. The dough will be sticky, if you wet your hands a bit with warm water it will make the dough easier to handle. Place the balls on a plate and refrigerate for 30 minutes. 

The bites can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days and in the freezer for up to a month.

TIPS & NUTRITION

Pumpkin seeds are full of immune supporting zinc. Hemp seeds are a complete protein and a good source of magnesium. Oats are a great source of protein and fibre and the almond butter is high in calcium and vitamin E.

Brown rice syrup is a sticky sweetener made from, you guessed it, brown rice. You can find it at most health food stores or you might find it at your grocery store in the baking section or by the honey and maple syrup.