Chickpea Chocolate Coconut Energy Balls

Here is a recipe for some delightful guilt-free energy balls. Energy balls are all over the internet lately, and I wanted to try out my own version. These are a great alternative to chocolate bars and sugary granola bars. I ate a couple today after the gym and they were just what I needed, they are a great source of complex carbohydrates and protein, which is important post workout. They are packed with fibre, protein and delicious chocolatey flavour! I gave away the surprise in their name, but can you believe these are made from chickpeas! This was the first time I made something sweet with chickpeas and I was surprised at how well it worked, chickpeas have such a mild flavour and creamy texture that they are a great alternative.

Recipe: 
2 cups cooked chickpeas
4 tablespoons maple syrup - these were not very sweet, so add more if you want something sweeter
2 tablespoons/chunks of creamed coconut (optional)
7-10 dried dates - these add more sweetness
2-5 tablespoons cocoa powder - depending on how chocolatey you want them
4-5 tablespoons coconut milk
20 cashews
1-2 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup + 1/4 cup dried coconut

Directions: 
In food processor add all ingredients except rolled oats and coconut. Puree the mixture for 5-15 minutes until smooth. Add the 1/2 cup of dried coconut and oats to the mixture and combine. Form balls and roll in the 1/4 cup remaining coconut. Chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes.

^^ the chickpea puree ^^ 

I decided to try out this recipe because I have been trying to make more of a conscious effort to cut out refined sugars from my diet. I'm a healthy eater - I try to stick with the 80/20 rule (80% of my diet is very healthy, 20% is more indulgent :) Lately though, I've been doing a lot of travelling, visiting with friends and family, and I haven't been home as much as usual. This has resulted in me eating out more often, and eating more sugar (I lovvvve sweets by the way) and especially refined sugar. So, I'm going to try my best to cut out (actually reduce - I don't like strict rules) refined sugar and get back to eating real food!

Enjoy! 

-M