Pistachio and Cranberry Energy Balls (Vegan)

These little lovelies make a great snack. 
The ones pictured above I coated with the optional hemp hearts,
but they taste delish without the coating as well.

Recipe from Pick Up Limes

Husband-Tested in Alice's Kitchen

Makes approximately 15 energy balls

These little energy balls are addictively yummy and perfect for a little pick-me-up afternoon treat with a cup of hot tea.  These would also make a nice addition to your lunchbox.

1 cup old fashioned rolled oats (To make this gluten free, be sure to use gluten free oats.)

1/2 cup pistachios, shelled, roughly chopped

1/2 cup cashews, roughly chopped

2 Tablespoons ground flaxseeds (flaxseed meal)

3 Tablespoons water

1 cup soft, pitted dates (To soften them, I soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes.)

2 Tablespoons maple syrup or agave nectar

2 Tablespoons pure vanilla extract

1/3 cup dried cranberries, unsweetened, if possible (I like to plump them up a bit in warm water.)

1/4 cup dark chocolate chips or finely chopped dark chocolate

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Pinch of sea salt or kosher salt

Optional Coating:  hemp hearts or finely shredded coconut

Preheat the oven to 350F.  Place the oats and nuts on a rimmed baking sheet and roast for 8-10 minutes or until lightly golden, stirring once halfway through.  

In a large bowl, add the ground flaxseed to the water and stir well.  Set it aside for a few minutes. 

In a food processor, add the dates, maple syrup and vanilla and process until smooth.

Add the date mixture to the large bowl with the flaxseed/water mixture.  Stir until well combined.

Add the remaining ingredients and toss until evenly coated.  Roll into bite-sized balls and chill for at least 30 minutes. (If you wish, you can roll the balls in hemp hearts or in finely shredded coconut.)  Store in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for up to 2 months.  

Notes:  You can use other dried fruit instead of cranberries, such as dried apples or cherries.  You can also substitute other nuts.  You can try 1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom seeds in place of the cinnamon for a more middle-eastern flavor.  If you don't have a food processor, you can use a blender or mash the date mixture well with a fork.