Fig, Vanilla & Orange Energy Balls

This fall inspired fig, vanilla and orange energy balls are a fresh flavor twist on the classic fig newton bar! 

Classic fig newton inspired energy balls were developed for some friends that are hiking the Grand Canyon rim to rim. 

Key points that had to be achieved for this recipe: 

1| to provide energy

2| clean carbohydrate source

3| fig newton-like flavor that tastes good! 

And that is how these fig, vanilla and orange energy balls came about! So if you are hiking the Grand Canyon rim to rim or just simply about to start a workout, need an afternoon snack pick me up or a healthy dessert alternative, then you are at the right place! 

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo to #fromtherootsblog on Instagram. We love seeing what you come up with!

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This fall inspired fig, vanilla and orange energy balls are a fresh flavor twist on the classic fig newton bar! 

18-24 balls | Prep Time: 10 Min | Cook time: N/A

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried figs

• ½ cup medjool dates

• ½ cup pecans

• ½ cup almonds

• ½ cup walnuts

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ¼ cup ground cinnamon

• Zest of orange

• Splash or two of orange juice

Directions

1. Place all ingredients in a food processor and pulse on high to combine. You may need to stop in between to scrape down the sides of the processor with a rubber spatula. 

2. Blend and pulse for about 2-3 minutes, until the mixture starts to clump. Depending on how fresh your dates or figs are, you may need to add 1 Tbsp increments of water to help break down the mixture. 

3. Using a cookie scooper or 1 Tbsp measuring spoon, scoop mixture out and roll into balls. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. Can store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Mindful Matcha and Mint Chip Energy Balls

A tiny burst full of superfood energy! Dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan, paleo friendly, and naturally sweetened.

Matcha to me is like a fine wine. I only want to drink it during those special occasions when the timing is just right.  Matcha is also not the cheapest thing in the world so you can probably see where I’m going with this but in all reality, I cherish the benefits and the robust flavor that goes along with it.

You see, matcha comes from the same plant as green tea but since it is made from the entire leaf, it packs in a more concentrated amount of antioxidants and beneficial plant compounds. Matcha powder can stand on its own, but why we can take it up a notch by adding cordyceps mushrooms, ashwagandha, ginger, and wheatgrass.

Okay, let’s pause. I’m sure some of you are asking, “What the heck are these ingredients and why are we adding them”?

Cordyceps Mushrooms: Improves energy, endurance, and strength while helping to reduce fatigue.

Ashwagandha: An herb that can reduce anxiety and stress, help fight depression, boost fertility and may even boost brain function.

Ginger: A spice that is beneficial for people with indigestion and related stomach discomfort.

Wheatgrass: Is prepared from the freshly sprouted leaves of the common wheat plant, Triticum aestivum. Benefits include weight loss, decreased inflammation, lower cholesterol and better blood sugar control.

So, wouldn’t that taste like dirt? I thought the same thing until I used Further Food ‘s mindful matcha powder. The matcha flavor that I love so much masks the earthy flavor of the superfood ingredients, making this powder adaptogenic (herbal pharmaceutical) and superfood enriched! If you are interested in trying their matcha powder, use fromtherootsblog10 for 10% off your first order!

Matcha can stand on its own, but combining matcha with mint and chocolate really takes these energy balls to a new level. Peppermint extract and cacao nibs really bring out the refreshing tones of matcha while being naturally sweetened with medjool dates.

I love knowing that I can treat myself to these  first thing in the morning for that burst of refreshing energy or have one as an afternoon or pre-workout snack.

Matcha obsessed? Check out these matcha and carob cookies.

I was not financially compensated for this post. All recipes, photos, and opinions are my own.

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo to #fromtherootsblog on Instagram. We love seeing what you come up with!

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Ingredients

• ¾ cup superfine almond flour

• ¼ cup coconut flakes

• ¼ cup cacao nibs or mini dark chocolate chips

• 8 pitted medjool dates

• 1 Tbsp coconut oil

• 1 Tbsp filtered water

• 2 tsp mindful matcha powder or regular matcha powder

• ½ tsp organic peppermint extract

• Sprinkle of pink himalayan salt

Directions

1. To a food processor or high powered blender, blend medjool dates until the dates form into a ball. Scoop out and set aside.

2. To the food processor, add the rest of the ingredients except the cacao nibs and blend until a fine meal is achieved - about 20-30 seconds.

3. Add the dates back in and blend until fully incorporated: not crumbly, not tacky, but more mold-able. If the mixture is too dry, add 1 tsp water in increments. Be sure to taste the dough for desired flavor. Personally, I like to add more peppermint extract to the dough.

4. Take the mixture out of the processor and transfer to a small bowl. Fold in cacao nibs or chocolate chips.

5. Scoop out 1 tablespoon amount and form into a ball. Repeat until all dough is formed into balls.

6. Chill in refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before serving.

7. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to a week in the refrigerator or freezer for up to 1 month.

Notes

• Makes 10-12 balls

Lemon and Coconut Energy Balls

Filled with fiber, plant-based protein, and healthy fats, these are the perfect choice when you need a little pick-me-up snack! They are great to make as a “911 snack” as it only takes 5 minutes to make and uses only 6 ingredients!

I have to be honest - life can be hard and stressful for me at times.

I juggle school, work, this food blog, and my personal life all while searching for grad schools. In everything I do, I strive to be intentional in every moment and hour in my life.For example, if I take a class and pass by the skin of my teeth then what have I gained from the experience? With every new practice, patience and persistence are tested as we don’t always get it right the first time. In the midst of the busy times, I have to continuously remind myself that this is only temporary and that I should be proud of myself for getting this far.

As easy as it sounds to be intentional, you need the energy and willpower to actually do it! That’s why I lean on to these amazing lemon and coconut energy balls. Lemon and coconut is an excellent pairing as they are both sweet and refreshing. This flavor-packed combination is great with the caramel undertones of pitted dates; the creamy texture provided by cashews and almonds is also a big plus!

Cashews, almonds, and dates are magnesium-rich foods that actually boost energy and prevent inflammation. Magnesium is key in creating energy by activating ATP; (adenosine triphosphate) which is an energy carrying molecule found in the cells of your body. Ultimately, when you have an adequate amount of magnesium in your system, your body is primed to function at its peak.

Not only are these lemon and coconut energy balls great for providing energy and preventing inflammation, they’re nutrient and calorically dense. Filled with fiber, plant-based protein, and healthy fats, these are the perfect choice when you need a little pick-me-up snack! They are great to make as a “911 snack” as it only takes 5 minutes to make and uses only 6 ingredients! I recommend making a couple of batches so that you can store half in the fridge for immediate use throughout the week and the other half in the freezer for a later time.

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo with #fromtherootsblog on Instagram. We love seeing what you come up with!

Filled with fiber, plant-based protein, and healthy fats, these are the perfect choice when you need a little pick-me-up snack! They are great to make as a “911 snack” as it only takes 5 minutes to make and uses only 6 ingredients!

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup raw cashews

• 1 cup raw almonds

• 1/2 cup coconut flakes

• 1 Tbsp melted coconut oil

• 8 pitted dates

• half one lemon *plus more for preference

• Zest of one whole lemon *plus more for garnish

• Dash pink Himalayan salt

DIRECTIONS

1. Soak dates in warm filtered water for at least 10 minutes

2. After dates have properly soaked, remove dates and set date water aside.

3. Blend all ingredients in a high-speed processor until desired texture. If the consistency seems dry, add a little bit of the reserved date water.

4. Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the mixture, and form into balls.

5. Roll into your favorite toppings! I like to use lemon zest and coconut flakes.

NOTES

1. These can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks or in the freezer for up to a month. Make large batches to store snacks ahead of time.