Chocolate Energy Bites

These chocolate no-bake energy bites taste just like a cookie, although they are full of protein and naturally sweetened.

Yield: about 16 bites

Ingredients:

• 1 cup almond
• 2 cups pitted dates
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoon chopped bittersweet chocolate chips (optional)

Directions:

1. Halve the dates to ensure that it does not remain pits ( I always find one or two pits in a bag of pitted dates ) .
2. Soak dates in a bowl of water for about 10-15 minutes, then drain well.
3. In a food processor, grind the almonds until crumbly. Add all other ingredients and grind until the formation of a paste.
4. Pour into a bowl and place in the freezer for about 15 minutes so the dough is less sticky. In a plate, roll into 1-inch balls and coat with coconut, toasted sesame seeds or cocoa. Keep refrigerate or freeze.