Hemp & Cherry Energy Bites

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup dried Montmorency tart cherries
• 1 1/2 cups hemp hearts, divided
• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
• 1/2 cup warm water (add more if necessary)
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder, unsweetened
• 10 dates, pitted and coarsely chopped
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Add 1 cup hemp hearts, coconut oil, water, cocoa powder, dates and salt to a powerful blender or food processor. If using regular blender, soak the dates in warm water for 30 minutes and then drain prior to blending.
2. Process until smooth, scraping the sides with spatula. If necessary, add more water to help the "dough" move around.
3. Transfer to a medium bowl, add dried Montmorency tart cherries and mix to combine.
4. Place in a freezer for 20 minutes to harden a bit.
5. Using a small scoop, drop balls of "dough" into a bowl with remaining 1/2 cup hemp hearts and using 2 forks or by shaking the bowl, coat the energy bite in hemp seeds. Alternatively, coat only the bottom of the ball. Repeat until you run out of "dough."

Total Time: 15 minutes (with 20 minutes in the freezer)
Prep: 15 minutes | Yield: 15 servings

Recipe Tip: Keep in an airtight container, in the freezer section, for up to 6 months. Before serving, take the energy bite out of the freezer and let thaw for a few minutes. For a snack on- the-go, place in a sealable plastic bag.

Recipe courtesy of Olena Osipov, iFOODreal

Recipe and photo credit: Cherry Marketing Institute.