Vegan & Gluten Free Chocolate Raspberry Love Bites

Chocolate and raspberries have been on my mind a lot lately. In fact, I’ve been thinking about it so much that I had to experiment with a new kind of energy bite. Traditional bites I’ve created use dates as the primary “bonding” and sweetening agent. I figured, why not try fruit and make it entirely gluten free.
 
I arose the day after my birthday (February 7th) on February 8th with the sun shining through my Queen Anne apartment. I sat with a cup of chai and thought about Charles Dickens while gazing at the Puget Sound.  The weather felt warmer and spring blossoms are in bloom. 

Since Mr. Dickens and I share the same birthdate, I’ve had this obsession with him. While living in Germany, I expanded my spirituality in different ways. I became more balanced and at this time the clean European eating changed my palate. Since Dickens was a notable literary writer, I feel compelled to continue our astrological gift through writing.
 
And well, since this is one of my areas of focus (health and writing), I walked into the kitchen and began throwing stuff in a blender. Some food bloggers try each recipe 10 times, and trust me I’ve been there, but there are sometimes you just hit the nail on the head.
 
This morning, I did exactly that. Some force from the sun and bout of inspiration enthused this recipe.

The recipe is easy and budget friendly. While I think this is a lovely recipe, my hope is to spread the “LOVE” for healthy eating and to find love within you. I kept thinking about this interconnected web between love and energy.

Loving yourself is something that most people are lacking in this crazy, hectic world.
 
Lack of confidence, body image issues, not being good enough or smart enough – we somehow find ways to hate ourselves – a lot!  

So ask yourself, what do you love about yourself this Valentine’s Day?
 
The more love you have, the more energy you’ll obtain. The more energy you have the more love you have to share. You see, it’s all interconnected. So what’s the point of this recipe? Get energy from nature, love yourself and share your positive energy with the world. Energy, love and light – these are tools to building your creations. 

Vegan Chocolate Raspberry Love Bites
Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Cook Time: 0 Minutes
Total Time: 10 Minutes
Makes 12 Energy Bites

Ingredients: 
1/4 cup cashews, almonds and pumpkin seeds (can substitute your favorite nuts)
1/3 cup fresh raspberries
1/4 cup dates (approximately 4)
3 tbsp coco powder (I used unsweetened)
2 tbsp flax meal 
2 tbsp desiccated coconut
1 tbsp maple syrup
1/2 tsp vanilla

Directions: Place all ingredients into a food processor except the dates, raspberries and maple syrup. Pulse four to five times. Add the dates, raspberries and maple syrup into the food processor and blend until thick and the "S" blade can no longer blend. 

Scoop a chunk out of the blender and use your palms to roll the mixture into a ball. You may need to rinse your hands off once or twice as the balls best form with a clean palm.

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