Here is a tasty and energizing snack that is super simple and requires no oven at all. A great snack for on the run and practically guilt free goodness. It is naturally sweetened, so tender, pinch of crunch with the cashews, peanut buttery and oh so tasty. One of my all time go-to snacks that are packed with nutrients and real food ingredients to keep you fueled. I’ve made these tasty bites a variety of ways with different nut butters, fruits and vegetables like pumpkin. These are so easy to create in your very own kitchen with your personalized blend.

 

 

It’s been discovered and proven for years that dates have a healing powers for our bodies. Due to trading, these dates have traveled to southwest Asia, Spain, Northern Africa and were later introduced and became popular in Middle Eastern cuisine. Dates are considered a good source of calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and zinc. Below are quite a few reasons in consuming dates regularly.

 

 

 

 

 

HEALTH BENEFITS OF DATES:

 

IMPROVES CHOLESTEROL due to not containing any and assists in weight loss.

 

EXCELLENT PROTEIN source in helping you stay fit and keeing muscles strong. Most gym geeks are asked to consume at least a couple dates everyday for their daily routine.

 

VITAMIN RICH in B1, B2 and B5 as well as A1 and calcium. Not only will it keep you healthy, it will enhance your energy levels due to natural sugars such as glucose, sucrose and fructose. An excellent quick snack.

 

BONE STRENGTH these guys are rich in selenium, manganese, copper and magnesium. Great in preventing osteoporosis.

 

HEALTHY DIGESTION especially when soaking dates before hand in consuming these lovelies. Of course excellent for constipated individuals.

 

IRON RICH dates help deficiencies in low levels of iron such as anemia and great for blood purification as well.

 

ANTI-AGER due to the great source of vitamin C and D in keeping skin smooth and elastic. Also prevents the accumulation of melanin in your body.

 

 

 

 

 

The best way dates are to be eaten is by themselves. This delicious and sweet fruit is great for breakfast snacks, oatmeal, no-bake treats, smoothies and cereals. Some people even may switch to date syrup over refined sugars. Great to have a container of these guys on hand on the counter or in the refrigerator. Wonderful to add to trail mix, a date smoothie, incorporated in baked goods and toss them in salads.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Let’s move on to the recipe……………………………………………………

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SERVES: about 12, depending on size

 

 

 

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup dates, soaked or as is

1/4 cup cashews, unsalted and chopped

1/2 tsp raw honey (optional)

1/2 cup oats, rolled or quick

2 tbsp peanut butter, organic

1-2 tbsp water, filtered

sea salt, to taste

 

 

INSTRUCTIONS:

Prepare the dates by pitting them and soaking them in hot water for about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

In a food processor, or hand blender, combine all ingredients including the soaked dates; process until fairly smooth.

Remove from blender and place the mixture into a bowl; let set in the refrigerator for about 20-30 minutes.

When ready, scoop out a small spoonful, bite size, of the mixture and use hands to roll in a ball. You may need to wet your hands just a bit due to texture from sticking. Repeat until the process is complete. Place formed mixture into an airtight container to keep in the refrigerator for long lasting freshness. you may roll the balls into crushed nuts, shredded coconut, chocolate powder or Ganache or whatever your heart desires.  And that’s all. Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

NUTRITIONAL CONTENT: calories per serving 88; total fat 2.9g; sodium 33mg; total carbohydrates 15g; dietary fiber 1.8g; sugars 10g; protein 2g; calcium 1%; iron 4% and potassium 3% type of snack.

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