Mind Body Soul Food
  • Home
  • About
    • Work With Me
    • Partners & Collaborations
  • Blog
  • Books
    • Resources
  • Recipes
  • Videos
  • Sunspiration
  • Contact

A Journey into Thought & Spirit

Vegan & Gluten Free Caramel Nut Energy BitesĀ 

1/13/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
Energy bites are my favorite snack. They are easy to make, healthy and avoids all the processed sugar, syrups and preservatives. 

Before leaving Hannover, I rummaged through my cabinets to see what pantry goods I had left. Sad to leave Germany, I made gluten free snacks. Since we had to lug both cats back to the United States, I didn't want to pile our hand luggage with heavy food. So, I thought of something wintery and jingled the Kris Kringle spirit - caramel-based amaranth energy bites. 

Something about the date caramel, chocolate, cranberry and pistachio combination sent my tastebuds to culinary heaven. I tried this with and without coconut. I prefer the coconut, but I know not everyone is a fan. 

In Germany, puffed amaranth, quinoa and millet are as accessible as German beer. It's easy to find and it's everywhere. In the states, I have noticed that its hard to find. A big philosophy in my recipes is that I use ingredients that are easy to find 'cause lets face it, modern day living is tough and stressful. Nothing is worse than wanting to create a recipe, but having to search five grocery stores to find it after a long day at work. You can create magic with everyday ingredients and affordable pantry favorites. 

So for my European friends, puffed amaranth is everywhere. For my fellow Americans, puffed amaranth is not on every shelf. But, its not difficult to puff. You can simply heat a dry pan (that has a lid) and place the amaranth on the pan. Close the lid, shake the pan for about 1 minute and once it pops remove from the heat. Wah la! But if you're short on time, choose oats :) 


Oh and this recipe is a true budget-saver. I estimated to make 8 balls cost approximately 0.80-1.20 Euros. Seriously, good food is that cheap in Germany - how it should be everywhere in the world. 
Picture
Vegan Caramel Energy Nut Bites
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 Minutes
Total Time: 10 Minutes
Waiting Time: 1-2 Hours

Makes 8 Balls

Ingredients: 
1/3 cupvegan caramel** (see note and recipe)
1/4 cup puffed amaranth (or puffed quinoa or rolled oats)
3 tbsp pistachios, chopped
3 tbsp dried cranberries
1 tbsp dark chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate from a bar)
1 tsp flax seed
1/2 tsp coconut shreds (omit if you do not like coconut)

Directions: 
Make the caramel by blending the dates and vanilla into the blender. You can add a smidge of nondairy milk but do not go overboard with the liquid. You want the mixture to be sticky. Prep the pistachios and mix all the ingredients (except the caramel) in a bowl. Next, add the caramel and mix. You may need your hands to cover the entire mixture. Once coated, grab about a spoonful worth and roll into a ball using your palms. You may need clean hands to help roll. 

**Notes: Do not go overboard on the milk. Thus, you do not want liquid caramel. The runnier the caramel the balls will remain mushy and will not harden. It still tastes good but doesn't form like traditional energy balls. Keep the date mixture thicker. Alternatively, you can form into squares instead of balls. 

If you enjoy vegan, raw and gluten free recipes, sign up on our newsletter to receive free recipes every month! 
Yum
Picture
Picture
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Author

    Elizabeth Rae Kovar M.A. is  Author of her memoir, Finding Om and is a Fitness Trainer, Yogi, Reiki Master, Presenter and Lover of Life. To view her portfolio please visit www.elizabethkovar.com
    Follow her travels at: lemontreetravel.com

    Picture
    Follow
    View my profile on LinkedIn

    Categories

    All
    Body
    Food
    Metaphysics
    Mind
    Soul
    Sunspiration
    Vegan Recipes
    Wellness Travel
    YouTube

    Archives

    October 2022
    April 2022
    February 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015

    RSS Feed

Proudly powered by Weebly
  • Home
  • About
    • Work With Me
    • Partners & Collaborations
  • Blog
  • Books
    • Resources
  • Recipes
  • Videos
  • Sunspiration
  • Contact