Chocolate Cranberry Nut Balls

I'm gravitating towards the Paleo Diet so I created this high-protein and energy snack recipe out of a desire to eliminate those expensive and so-called nutritious protein bars. I don't want all of the processed carbs that are hidden in them because, quite honestly, they aren't that healthy. These are really tasty and my whole family loves them. I recommend making them fairly small and bite-sized, as they can crumble a little as you're biting into them. Freezing or refrigerating them keeps the messiness down, but they won't spoil if left at room temperature. I eat 4 or 5 with a big glass of water and feel full!

• Preparation Time: 30 mins
• Cooking Time: 3 mins
• Total Time: 33 mins
• Calories: 107 Calories

Ingredients

• 12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
• 5 ounces dried cranberries
• 6 ounces honey
• 4 ounces whole grain teff
• 4 ounces shredded coconut
• 2 ounces chia seeds
• 2 ounces milled flax seed
• 1 pound raw walnuts
• 12 ounces raw almonds
• 8 ounces chopped dates
• 4 ounces roasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
• 1 (16 ounce) jar natural peanut butter, melted

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Place teff in a large skillet over medium heat and toast until fragrant, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl. Stir in coconut, chia seeds, and milled flax seed.

Step 2

Chop walnuts, almonds, chocolate chips, dates, cranberries, and pumpkin seeds in a food processor, in batches if necessary, until finely chopped and the consistency of coarse breadcrumbs. Add nut mixture to teff mixture and mix thoroughly. Pour peanut butter and honey over nut and teff mixture; mix until evenly distributed.

Step 3

Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll the teff mixture into bite-size balls and arrange on baking sheets. Wrap sheets well with plastic wrap. Freeze until balls are firm, 8 hours to overnight.