RAW TAHINI ENERGY BALLS

I love making raw energy balls, they're quick and easy to make plus you get a really deliciously healthy treat as a result. They keep fresh in the fridge for days so you can make a big batch of them in advance then eat them all week long!

The combination of dates, cacao and maple syrup makes these energy balls decadent enough to satisfy any sweet tooth while the tahini and oats will provide you with enough energy to see you through the afternoon, way more effective than reaching for a biscuit or chocolate bar! Paired with a nice cup of almond milk tea these are just a dream! All in all these energy balls are a perfect work-break pick me up, on the go snack or healthy lunch box treat.

Ingredients (makes 9-12):

- 1 1/2 cup gluten free oats

- 1 cup Medjool dates, pitted

- 1/4 cup light tahini

- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp pink himalayan salt
- 3 tbsp raw cacao powder
- Small cup of sesame seeds and/or cacao for rolling (optional)

Method: 

1.) Put all the ingredients listed into a food processor or Vitamix blender. Blend on high until a smooth texture is achieved and you can't see any oats whizzing round, you may need to scrape down the sides of the processor/blender. 

2.) Scoop out the mixture out with your hands or a spoon - this is the really messy part but don't worry it's supposed to be sticky! 

3.) I then like to refrigerate the mixture for an hour or even overnight until it hardens slightly, making it easier to roll into balls. 

4.) Roll them in a bowl of sesame seeds or cacao powder to coat. 

The cacao powder makes them feel more truffle like and brings out the cacao flavour while the sesame seeds give them a nice texture and bring out the tahini more. You could even turn them into an extra special treat by drizzling some melted dark chocolate over the raw mixture and adding them to a bowl of banana nice cream. 

If you liked these check out my Raw Cacao Bliss Balls recipe.

VEGAN EATS WORLD

Vegan Eats World by Terry Hope Romero

I had to share with you my new recipe bible that is Vegan Eats World. This book came into my life recently and I'm so glad it did as I haven't been able to stop cooking/drooling over it's pretty plant based pictures ever since. 

This food is comforting, wholesome, filling and really flavourful. The instructions are clear and easy to follow and with over 300 international recipes there's bound to be something to take your fancy on any given day of the week.

Here are 3 of my favourite dishes so far:

Eggplant Shakshuka with Green Tahini Sauce

Egyptian Lentil Soup  

 Tofu and Potato Adobo Stew

This weekend I'll be making a Pad Thai from the book but what I really can't wait for is the dessert section (insert smug emoticon here). If this lot is anything to go by then they're bound to be incredible! Does anyone have any recommendations?