Supersweet Superfood Recipe

Have you heard about superfoods? Have you been looking for a superfood recipe? Preferably one that is tasty?

Look no futher.

"Energy bites," or "energy balls" are great to have around. They offer a quick snack that satisfies the sweet tooth, without the unhealthy side-effects of a couple cookies. It just so happens that I adapted the energy ball concept into a superfood recipe.

I especially like to eat a couple of these with a nice big mug of detoxifying dandelion root and nettle leaf tea. My tea is brewing now...

First of all, lets talk about a few "superfoods."

Superfoods are foods that offer an uncommon level of nutrition compared to all of the available foods options. One look at the nutrition information below makes it clear why these foods are indeed, super.

Quinoa

Quinoa, a grain, is a source of complete protein. That is, it contains all of the essential amino acids in one food. Essential amino acids are the protein building blocks your body cannot make, and so they must be obtained through diet. It is unusual for one plant-based food to contain a complete compliment of essential amino acids, and many vegetarians know that often you must combine foods in order to achieve that goal. In addition, quinoa has calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus and zinc... so eat up! Since I'm busy growing a couple kids and a new baby, it's no wonder that the protein-licious quinoa has a starring role in my superfood recipe.

Goji Berries

Goji berries are all the rage in popular culture for good reason. What tribal communities have known for centuries is finally reaching our "civilized" lives. Goji berries are a terrific source of multiple vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. One quarter cup of goji berries can rival some of the multivitamin and multimineral supplements on the market. For example, by weight, goji berries contain more vitamin C than oranges, and more beta-carotene than carrots. Goji berries are also a source of protein, and contain the essential amino acids. And as if that's not enough, the sugar in goji berries is primarily in the form of complex carbohydrates. Plus, goji berries have many compounds that scientists are just beginning to understand, but preliminary research suggests they may be valuable in lowering cholesterol, as an anti-inflammatory, or to fight bacteria or fungus, for example. In my opinion, these are simply a must in any superfood recipe.

Cocoa Nibs

Raw cocoa nibs offer the nutritional benefits of chocolate without the sugar. Cocoa nibs boast large amounts of magnesium and postassium, as well trace amounts of as vitamin D, vitamin E, some B vitamins and calcium. Plus, there are lots of antioxidants and other plant-based compounds that have health benefits.

Brazil Nuts

Brazil nuts don't often get the attention they deserve. These large, yet mildly flavored nuts have enough selenium in one to two nuts to meet an adult's daily requirements. Selenium is an important antioxidant. Since too much selenium, saturated fat, and calories are not great for you either, I feel I must include a disclaimer: you have permission to sub another nut for some brazil nuts if you plan on eating the whole batch in one day.

Coconut Butter

Raw coconut butter is different than coconut oil. While the latter is a refinement of only the oil of the coconut, coconut butter is a conglomeration of the oil, fiber, and other healthy coconut molecules. Basically, the meat of a coconut is ground into a nice paste. It is approximately 70% coconut oil, so it has all the anti-bacterial and weight-modulating benefits of coconut oil, with the added fiber and plant compounds. In addition to the added nutrition, coconut butter helps recipes like these adhere in a ball shape better than coconut oil might.

Remember: to make this recipe raw, use as many raw ingredients as possible.

I would highly recommend starting with rolled quinoa flakes since they have a more mild flavor and texture than quinoa puffs. My quinoa puffs add a strong roasted earthy flavor to the balls, which is nice with coffee or tea, but probably wouldn't be as appealing to a "normal" set of taste buds.

That's right, my taste buds are a bit warped. I can admit it. But I know I'm not the only one: there are other halfway to hippies out there...

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This recipe is

RAW

VEGETARIAN

VEGAN

WHOLE FOODS

This recipe is also

gluten-free

dairy-free

soy-free

egg-free

corn-free

Ingredients

1/2 c dates

3 Tbsp maple syrup or local honey

2 Tbsp raw coconut butter

6 brazil nuts

1/3 c rolled quinoa flakes (can sub oatmeal if you have to), or 1/2c quinoa puffs

2 Tbsp unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)

2-3 Tbsp raw cocoa nibs

2-3 Tbsp goji berries

Dash of ground cinnamon

Directions

In a food processor, combine all ingredients except the goji berries and cocoa nibs. Pulse until it is a wet gravel - small pieces that stick together. Add the berries and cocoa nibs and pulse again until well combined. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or more if the "dough" seems too soft. Roll into 1" balls.

Makes approximately 16 balls.

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