Holiday Energy Balls

You know when you wake up, walk to the kitchen, and just see that plate of leftover cookies just staring at you? Well, I think I have a good solution for you if you're like me and enjoy your coffee with something sweet. Energy balls are basically granola bars but in spherical form. They have a solid balance of fat, protein, and carbs, making them an excellent pick-me-up without a major sugar crash later on. Here's a quick recipe for the base, as well as some holiday variations including sugar cookie, chocolate peppermint, and gingerbread. Enjoy!

~Makes 9 Servings~

Ingredients:

Energy Ball Base:

-1 can chickpeas

-1/4 c oil (I used a canola/olive blend)

-2 T maple syrup

-1 c rolled oats

-4 pitted dates

Method:

Drain the chickpeas and toss with a small amount of oil. Spread on baking sheet and bake at 350 for 20 minutes. Once they are mostly cool, place in a food processor or high powered blender and pulse until it resembles somewhat of a powder. Add the oil and maple syrup and blend until it forms a paste. This is your chickpea "butter". Now, add the oats and pulse until broken down, then finish by blending in the dates. At this point the mixture should be able to form a ball when you press it together. If not, add some water to make it stick together better.

Sugar Cookie:

Stir in 3/4 t vanilla and sprinkles.

Chocolate Peppermint:

Stir in 3/4 t peppermint extract and 3 T cocoa powder

Gingerbread:

Stir in 1/8 each of cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and allspice

Once everything is combined, form into 9 equal-sized balls and place on a plate or baking sheet. Refrigerate to harden and then store in a container in the fridge.

Enjoy!