Chocolate Energy Orbs
A hit with adults and children alike, Chocolate Energy Orbs can be made on the weekend to be enjoyed throughout the week. They’ve got lots of the protein and fat that children’s bodies need for growth, along with fibre, protein, and antioxidants from the cocoa powder. The orbs are lower in sugar than their processed energy bar counterparts and include natural ingredients for maximum nourishment. Tahini (sesame seed paste) adds calcium.
3/4 cup (180 mL) nut butter (almond, cashew, peanut)
1/4 cup (60 mL) tahini
1/2 cup (125 mL) maple syrup
1 cup (250 mL) toasted sesame seeds
1/4 cup (60 mL) cocoa powder
1 cup (250 mL) oat bran
1/2 cup (125 ml) wheat germ
1/2 cup (125 ml) unsweetened coconut
Add nut butter, tahini, and maple syrup to bowl of food processor and blend until smooth. Add sesame seeds, cocoa powder, oat bran, and wheat germ and blend until mixture becomes like dough. Scrape down sides of food processor as necessary. Spread coconut on a plate. Roll mixture into 1-inch (2.5-cm) balls (child size) or 2-inch (5-cm) balls (adult size). and roll in shredded coconut. Cover and store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Makes 12 large orbs or 18 small orbs.
source: "School Lunch Recipes Your Kids Will Love", alive #275, September 2005
Chocolate Energy Orbs
Directions
Sally Errey, RNCP
Sally Errey, RNCP, is an acclaimed speaker and author on optimum health through nutrition and lifestyle. She is author of Staying Alive! Cookbook for Cancer Free Living (Belissimo Books, 2004).
READ THIS NEXT
SEE MORE »
Purple Cabbage and Apple Soup
This vibrant soup is a soul-soothing hug in a bowl. Blue and purple fruits and vegetables contain powerful antioxidants called anthocyanins that promote health and proper brain function. Apple swap Try swapping out the apples in this recipe for pears. Just like the apples, the subtle sweetness of pears helps balance out the earthiness of the cabbage.
Herb and Greens Frittata
Deep green fruits and vegetables are high on the list of health-promoting foods. Green foods have been shown to contain high amounts of antioxidants and nutrients that promote good cardiovascular health and can inhibit certain carcinogens. Serve this frittata alongside a leafy green salad for an unbeatable green culinary experience. Versatile leftovers Any leftover frittata makes a wonderful filling for a sandwich along with other thinly sliced vegetables you have on hand and a smear of hummus.
Caramelized Fennel and Yogurt Dip
This creamy dip will be your go-to for dunking vegetables or for spooning over roast chicken or root vegetables as a sauce. Compounds found in fennel have been shown to stimulate the production of T-cells in our body, which, in turn, may help improve our immune response to infections. If white is right If you would like to stay on the white theme, try serving this dip with an array of white vegetables such as endive leaves, jicama sticks, daikon rounds, steamed nugget potatoes, and cauliflower florets.
Tempeh and Mango Curry
The stars of this delicious curry dish are yellow and orange fruits and vegetables, which are high in a form of carotenoids called xanthophylls. These compounds have more of a yellow pigment as opposed to their orangier cousins, the carotenes. While a powerful antioxidant, xanthophylls are mostly associated with maintaining good eye health. Mix and match This curry is easily adaptable to whichever vegetables you have on hand. Experiment to find your favourite combination.