A perfect snack, these irresistible aromatic protein balls, are a healthy bite-size superfood energy ball!
They offer a satiating balance of carbohydrates, protein and fats, and can be fully customized and portable.
You can pair one or two with a piece of fruit to add extra fibre and hydration, after exercise or activity. Make them ahead of time, and have them handy in the fridge to save you not only money, but also having to waste time reading ingredient lists of commercially made bars and bites.
The added aromatherapy essential oils add an extra therapeutic layer, to these already irresistably yummy snacks!
Zesty Lemon
A quick and easy to make recipe, that takes no time at all to make and is loved by everyone for its zesty taste!
Ingredients
1 cup raw cashews
I cup desiccated coconut
Zest of 1 large lemon (or 2 small)
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1 tablespoon of honey
3 – 5 drops of pure therapeutic lemon essential oil
Extra desiccated or shredded coconut for rolling in and you can add tumeric powder to give it a bright yellow colour!
Method
- Place the ingredients into a food processor or equivalent, in the order listed above, blending until the mixture resembles a sticky crumb consistency. Don’t over-blend, or you will end up with a paste, versus a mixture that you can roll in your hands, which has a bit of texture.
- Use your hands to shape the mixture into bit-size balls.
- Roll the balls into the extra desiccated or shredded coconut, and place in a container in the fridge.
- Serve, eat, enjoy!
Lemon essential oil refreshes, cools, produces clarity of thought. Improves cardiovascular, immune, digestive systems.
Orange Refresh
These crunchy, protein packed, sweet fresh citrus tasting protein balls, are cheery and full of goodness!
Ingredients
1 cup roasted almonds or 1/2 cup roasted almonds and 1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter
1/2 to 1 cup roasted carob powder depending on how much you like the taste of carob
Carob has a caramel, sweet taste, with a similar consistency to cocoa powder. It is a healthy chocolate substitute, and a source of niacin, riboflavin, thiamin, calcium, magnesium, iron and other minerals. Unlike chocolate, it does not interfere with calcium absorption. If you don’t like to taste enough, you could add decaff coffee or chicory based coffee for it to taste more chocolatey.
Zest of 1 large orange (or 2 small)
Juice of 1/2 orange
1 tablespoon of honey or pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon of crushed cardamon or cinnamon (optional)
2 tablespoons of mixed seeds e.g. chia, flax, hemp, sesame, sunflower, pumpkin
10 drops of pure therapeutic grade sweet orange essential oil
Extra carob powder, flaked almonds or sesame seeds for rolling in
Method
- Place the roasted almonds, carob powder, orange zest and juice, honey or maple syrup, spices and essential oil into a food processor. Blend until the mixture has a sticky, nutty, textured consistency. Don’t over-blend, or you will end up with a paste, versus a crunchy textured mixture.
- Stir in the mixed seeds by hand.
- Use your hands to shape the mixture into bit-size balls.
- Roll the balls into the extra carob powder, flaked almonds or sesame seeds and place in a container in the fridge.
- Serve, eat, enjoy!
Orange essential oil encourages a positive outlook. Calms nervous states, digestive system and good effect on viral infections.
Pick-me-up Peppermint
Refreshingly minty, these nutty balls are a great in the afternoon or evening, when you need a pick-me-up!
Ingredients
1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter
1/2 cup raw almonds, brazil or walnuts
2 tablespoons tahini
1/2 cup cocoa or carob powder
1 tablespoon of honey or pure maple syrup
3 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract
2 tablespoons of mixed seeds e.g chia,flax, hemp, sesame, sunflower, pumpkin
10 – 15 drops of pure therapeutic grade peppermint oil
Extra cacoa powder, sesame seeds or cocoa nibs for rolling in
Method
- Place the peanut butter, nuts, tahini, cocoa or carob powder, honey or maple syrup, fresh mint, vanilla extract and essential oil into a food processor. Blend until the mixture has a sticky, nutty, textured consistency. Don’t over-blend, or you will end up with a paste, versus a crunchy textured mixture.
- Mix in the mixed seeds by hand.
- Use your hands to shape the mixture into bit-size balls.
- Roll the balls into the extra cocoa or carob powder, sesame seeds or cocoa nibs and place in a container in the fridge.
- Serve, eat, enjoy!
Peppermint essential oil relieves nervous states and mental fatigue. It helps the respiratory and digestive systems, and muscular aches & nerve pain.
