Apple Pie Energy Bites

These are a quick and easy snack and were inspired by my love for the Apple Pie Lara Bar.

Ingredients:

1 cup medjool dates, pitted

1 cup dehydrated apple slices

1/2 cup almonds

1/2 cup walnuts

1/4 cup raisins, I like Thompson raisins, any variety will do though

1/2 tsp salt

2 1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/8 tsp nutmeg

Toppings (optional)

Hemp seeds

Chia seeds

Coocnut flakes

Ground or whole flax seed

I prefer medjool dates, as they tend to be softer, however you can use whatever kind of dates you like. If your dates are a bit more dried out, soak them in warm water for 10-15 minutes before using. Remove the dates from the water , discard water, and proceed with the recipe.
The dehydrated apple slices I use are the soft, spongy variety, not the crunchy apple chips. Usually referred to as dehydrated apple rings.

Procedure

To a food processor, add all of the ingredients and begin to pulse until the fruit starts to get broken up. Run the the machine for about 1 -2 minute until mixture starts to come together, it will first look like wet sand then it will start to clump together and hold its shape. It is also important not to over process this mixture to the point where the oils separate and it becomes a little messy. Once the dough reaches the right consistency you will then shape it into bite sized balls or press into a parchment lined 8 by 8 baking dish and cut into bars.

As you pulse the mixture it should gradually come together, you should be able to gently pinch it to hold it shape, as seen above.

For an extra nutritional boost you can toss or sprinkle the bites with the toppings listed above. These bites can be stored in the fridge (3 weeks) of freezer (6 months) for the most fresh and nutritious results.