Sweet Treats

I am often asked “Are energy bars healthy?” My answer is usually, “It depends.” A conversation then ensues to determine how the energy bar fits into their lifestyle. If you make your own energy bars, you control the ingredients and can create versions which provide you with a net gain of nourishment and sustainable energy. This elevates energy bars to healthier level.

I recently started making my own energy bars or truffles. With a food processor, it an easy and quick process. It works great to make a large batch and freeze them individually. They do not freeze solid, so you can eat them right out of the freezer. In warmer weather, cold energy bars can be very refreshing.

You can form bars by pressing the mixture into an 8x8 baking pan, chilling it for two hours and then cutting into rectangles. To create balls or truffles, simply roll a tablespoon of dough into shape with your hands. Freeze the energy bars until you are ready to enjoy them.

Use this recipe as a template to get you started. Have fun trying out different combinations of tastes of these no-bake, high energy treats. If you are a chocolate lover, check out this recipe for Brownie Truffles.

Coconut Date Truffles

Ingredients
  • 10 dates, pitted and soaked
  • ¼ cup raisins, soaked
  • ½ cup mixed raw nuts, toasted and cooled
  • ¼ cup coconut flakes
  • 1 Tbsp chai seeds
Directions
  1. Preheat the oven to 350. Toast the nuts on a cookie sheet for 5-7 minutes, until golden brown. Be careful not to toast too long. Allow them to cool on a plate. 
  2. Soak the dates and raisins in warm water for five minutes. Drain, rinse and dry thoroughly. 
  3. In a food processor, pulse nuts until smooth. Add in dates and raisins and pulse all together.
  4. Add the coconut flakes and chai seeds and pulse briefly until just combined.
  5. Form into balls and freeze.
Originally published in the West Hartford Fleet Feet newsletter, "The Extra Mile" (May 24, 2011, Issue #78)