For those unfamiliar with “energy balls,” the peculiar-looking spheres—typically about the size and shape of a golf ball—are sweeping Instagram and Pinterest due to their delicious taste and health benefits. The on-the-go morsels are “great for pre- and post-workout,” according to Energy Bites ($5; amazon.com), a book dedicated to the superfood snack. Intrigued? Try making your own batch of Superfood Granola Balls, which aid in muscle recovery and repair thanks to a healthy dose of amino acids. Get the recipe below.
Superfood Granola Balls
Makes 16
Ingredients
2/3 cup blueberries, fresh or frozen
2½ tbsp maple syrup, 3½ tbsp rice syrup, or 1/4 cup raw honey
1/4 cup coconut oil
1 cup rolled oats
3 tbsp pumpkin seeds
3 tbsp sunflower seeds
5 tsp chia seeds
1/2 cup slivered almonds
1/4 cup almond meal
3 tbsp raisins
1/4 cup goji berries
1 tsp cinnamon
1-2 tsp acai powder or baobab powder ($25; thrivemarket.com)
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Directions
1. Put the blueberries into a saucepan with 1 tbsp of water. Bring to a boil and simmer until the blueberries are soft and tender. Add the maple syrup and coconut oil and heat until well combined.
2. Combine the remaining dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Add the blueberry mixture and stir until well combined. The mixture will be sticky.
3. Divide into 16 even portions and roll into balls.
4. Refrigerate for 1 hour before eating raw.
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Alternative option: You can also bake these balls. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the balls on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for about 15 minutes. Let cool, and serve cold.
Text and Photography reproduced by permission of DK, a division of Penguin Random House, from Energy Bites (2016).
