dried fruits are perfect as a simple, quick and most importantly healthy snack to fuel up on energy. of course also here it is essential to moderate yourself because the inherent fructose (even if no other sugar is added) packs a punch. i am not a big fan of dried fruits (besides the fabulous peaches and nectarines i got at the farmers market in the ferry building in san fran), but a lot of other people do like them a lot and because of that i sometimes make something that’s not so much too my liking. especially if its a present… although my favorite energy balls (aka bliss balls) are based on nuts and contain cocoa for a chocolate kick, it doesn’t always have to be them. try this fruity version, they are amazing especially as a snack during a hard work the to get your energy up. supplemented with spices like cinnamon, cardamom and ginger they power up your metabolism and digestion.

ingredients (about 30 pieces)

• 1 orange (organic)
• 300 g pitted, dried dates
• 70 g dried figs
• 300 g almonds (with skin)
• 100 g banana chips
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon grounded cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon grounded ginger (you can also use fresh one)
• salt
• 80 g grounded almonds

wash the orange, dry, finely grate the peel and press out juice.

in a food processor mix dates, figs, Almonds and banana chips into a thick paste, while adding the orange juice. season with orange peel, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger and a pinch of salt. place in fridge for 1 hour.

in a pan dry roast the grounded almonds. place in a deep dish and let cool down.

form walnut sized balls out of the fruit mixture, roll in almonds and set into small paper forms. stored cool and airtight they keep for at least 3-4 weeks.

Filed under: presents from the kitchen, snacks, sweets Tagged: energy balls, fruit balls, presents from the kitchen, snacks, sweets, vegan