Gluten-Free Protein Packed Pumpkin Energy Balls
17:10
"I would rather sit on a pumpkin and have it all to myself than be crowded on a velvet cushion."- Henry David Thoreau
Being someone who dislikes crowded spaces, I'd take the pumpkin any day. Actually, maybe the fact that I also really like pumpkin wins a few points over the velvet cushion. That's just me.
My kitchen is well stocked with pumpkin puree, much to my joy. I have both organic store-bought pumpkin puree and a homemade one. I don't prefer one over the other, to be honest. I think either one does the job, but if you're a purist, then I suppose pureeing your own batch is the better choice. (This somehow reminds of the #liveauthentic hashtag on Instagram... Better grow a beard and wear handmade leather, folks.)
A few weeks ago, I found myself buying energy balls from a store. They're not necessarily bad when I looked at the ingredients list, except for the fact that of course store-bought versions always include some sort of preservatives. These ones are also rather expensive, when you think about it. I mean, just one small one can cost $3.00. And how many can satiate your hunger or satisfy your snacks for the week? It doesn't take a capitalist to see the flaw in this system.
So, there I was, searching for snack ideas AND deciding what to do with my pumpkin puree. Thinking. Thinking. Then, like a message from the gods/God/the mystics, it hit me. Why not make my own energy balls with pumpkin puree taking centre stage? I saw my vegan protein powder and I just knew it couldn't be left out. And for full disclosure, the recipe below was adapted from Popsugar's recipe.
What autumn dreams are made of <3
Gluten-Free Pumpkin Energy Bites
Makes 20 energy balls
Ingredients:
- 1 cup raw almonds
- 3/4 cup gluten-free oats
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup pitted medjool dates, soaked in hot water to soften up
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (I used Vega)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds
- 2 tbsp dried cranberries
In a food processor, pulse raw almonds until choppy. Then add oats, pumpkin puree, dates, protein powder, cinnamon and nutmeg. Mix until well blended. Transfer to a bowl.
Blend pumpkin seeds and dried cranberries until choppy. Transfer to a shallow bowl.
Roll the pumpkin mixture into 20 balls (or so). Roll each one on the pumpkin seed and cranberry mixture. Refrigerate to firm up.
Enjoy the extra energy! xx
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