Food

Date Goji Energy Balls

After last weeks kinda long, kinda deep post, I wanted to make sure this week was quick and fun! So here is a recipe I threw together before we headed up to Northern Arizona on a camping trip and trail run!

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This was an AWESOME race. Aravaipa Running knows how to put on a great event. Definitely check it out. We did the 13k and thoroughly enjoyed the course.

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Mile 3ish of 8ish out on the course.

My favorite part about this recipe is that NO baking is required; which is perfect for those hot summer months. They are also good to curb your sweet tooth, AND a good boost to eat before or after a workout.

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Snapchat! haha

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Date Goji Energy Balls
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Prep Time: 20 minutes

Yield: ~16 balls

Date Goji Energy Balls

Ingredients

16 dates

30 almonds

1 TBSP chia seeds

2 tsp. raw cacao powder

1 tsp. raw maca powder

1 TBSP dried goji berries

2 drops vanilla essence (optional, and not to be confused with vanilla extract)

ROLLING POWDER

1 tsp. raw maca powder

1 tsp. raw cacao powder

2 tsp. maple sugar

Instructions

    In the order listed above, put the ingredients in a food processor.

    Blend until a ball forms, and it all sticks together.

    Use a spoon to scoop out the desired amount of dough, and roll into bite-sized balls. I made mine about 3/4" around.

    To prevent sticking, roll them in the powder mixture. I just mixed it up in a small ramekin, and rolled them around until coated, then rolled in my hands again to get off the excess and press the powder into the ball.

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https://www.zucchinirunner.com/2016/06/22/date-goji-energy-balls/

And as I mentioned last week, I’m really big into Snapchat these days. As I was making this recipe, I was Snapping it. haha Which is why the photos have the text ON them. 🙂

Do you like recipes like this where you don’t have to use the oven or stove in the summer? Or do you still bake and cook as usual, even when it’s hot outside?

Next week, I will be posting a recipe and How-To video on making your own homemade sourdough loaf, using a sourdough starter! If you don’t know what a sourdough starter is, this is a GREAT video that explains it all.

 

 

 

Nice Cream Parfait and Bowls

One of my favorite ways to stay cool in the hot Arizona summer, is having a freshly made bowl of nice cream after a run. No, that’s not a type-o, I do mean “N”ice cream. One of the many great qualities about these, is they are good any time of day — at least in my opinion. They also don’t contain any dairy and since frozen bananas are used as the base, you can flavor them with just about anything you want! The “hardest” part is just making sure you have a gallon freezer bag, full of chopped up bananas. 1″ chunks will do.

Below are some of my recent favorites:

Craving a bowl of chocolate ice cream? No problem.

  • 6-8; 1″ frozen banana chunks
  • 1-2 TBSP favorite chocolate protein powder (I used Shakeology Chocolate Vegan)
  • splash or two of nut milk
  • 1 TBSP almond butter

Blend together in a blender on low speed, using a tamper to help mix it together. (A food processor will work too.) It should only take about 30 seconds. Don’t over process, it gets gummy. Place in serving bowl(s) and top with your favorite crunchy or chewy delights!

Need a light and fruity cool down after a hot run? Got you covered.

Cherry Walnut Nice Cream

  • 6-8; 1″ frozen banana chunks
  • 1/3 c. frozen organic cherries
  • 1/3 c. homemade walnut milk (or other nut milk, or water works too!)

Blend together in a blender on low speed, using a tamper to help mix it together. (A food processor will work too.) It should only take about 30 seconds. Don’t over process, it gets gummy. Stir in a small bunch of chopped walnuts and cacao nibs with a  wooden or plastic spoon, while it’s still in the blender — but off the power source. Once it’s well combined, dump into a serving bowl(s). Top with more nuts and frozen cherries. Takes 5 minutes!

Feelin’ fancy? Healthy parfait!

Pink and Green Power Parfait

This one’s a little more fancy, and requires a bit more time, but still quick to make!

Green Layer

  • 6-8; 1″ frozen banana chunks
  • 1/3 c. frozen coconut meat (optional)
  • 1 serving green food (I used 1 package of VIVARISE Lean Green)
  • 2-4 drops liquid Stevia (optional for added sweetness)

Blend together in a blender on low speed, using a tamper to help mix it together. (A food processor will work too.) It should only take about 30 seconds. Don’t over process, it gets gummy. Scoop mixture out into a bowl and set aside while you prepare the other layer.

Pink Layer

  • 5-7; 1″ frozen banana chunks
  • 1/3 c. frozen coconut meat (optional)
  • 1 package raw, organic Pitaya Plus (dragon fruit)

Just like the first layer, blend together in a blender on low speed, using a tamper to help mix it together. (A food processor will work too.) It should only take about 30 seconds. Don’t over process, it gets gummy. 🙂

Create your parfait by layering one filling at a time into your serving glass. I used a single 18 oz. glass and had a little left over of each flavor. So you could split it into two smaller glasses, or just do what I did and big out on the one! Top with whatever sounds good to you! I used some chopped almonds and a pitted date.

I want to try a blueberry one next or maybe even one with lemon and raspberry!

Are you a fan of nice cream? What is your favorite flavor combo or topping?