These Anti-Inflammatory Energy Balls Are Inspired by Cherry Garcia

Photographer: Stacy K. Allen, Props: Christina Brockman, Food Stylist: Lauren Odum

Ingredients

• 1 cup pitted dried dates

• 1/3 cup packed unsweetened dried tart cherries 

• 1/2 cup unsalted unsweetened almond butter

• 1/4 cup whole-milk plain strained (Greek-style) yogurt

• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 1/3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

• 1 ounce dark chocolate (70%), broken into pieces 

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

1. Place dates and dried cherries in a small heatproof bowl; cover with boiling water. Let stand until soft, about 10 minutes. Drain well.

   Photographer: Stacy K. Allen, Props: Christina Brockman, Food Stylist: Lauren Odum

2. Place the drained dates and cherries in a food processor; pulse until coarsely chopped, about 5 pulses. Add almond butter, yogurt, cocoa, vanilla and salt. Pulse until incorporated, 5 to 10 pulses. Add oats; pulse until fully combined and incorporated, about 15 pulses. (Add 1 tablespoon water if the mixture is too thick and stiff.) Transfer the mixture to a medium bowl. Cover and refrigerate for 10 minutes.

3. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the date mixture onto a sheet of wax paper or parchment paper; roll into a 1-inch ball. Repeat with the remaining date mixture.

   Photographer: Stacy K. Allen, Props: Christina Brockman, Food Stylist: Lauren Odum

4. Place chocolate in a small microwave-safe bowl; microwave on High until melted, about 1 minute, stirring after 30 seconds.

5. Drizzle the balls with the melted chocolate; sprinkle with cinnamon. Refrigerate, uncovered, until set, at least 10 minutes.

   Photographer: Stacy K. Allen, Props: Christina Brockman, Food Stylist: Lauren Odum

To make ahead

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Nutrition Information

Serving Size: 3 balls

Calories 203, Fat 9g, Saturated Fat 1g, Cholesterol 1mg, Carbohydrates 28g, Total Sugars 16g, Added Sugars 1g, Protein 5g, Fiber 4g, Sodium 122mg, Potassium 301mg

Frequently Asked Questions

• Dates are a fruit that offers carbohydrates for energy and fiber for a healthy gut. They add a natural sweetness to recipes and are pretty versatile in recipes. Like other plant foods, dates are loaded with antioxidants and have been linked with a healthier heart. They even have some antibacterial properties.

• Are tart cherries healthy?

• Are energy balls good for you?

  Energy balls are portable snacks that offer a boost of balanced sustained energy, thanks to the protein and fiber in the oats, yogurt and almond butter. Even the dark chocolate adds nutritional value, including antioxidants that support brain and heart health.

• What can I use instead of dark chocolate for drizzling?

  Dark chocolate is a fast-melting favorite, but you can easily substitute it with semisweet, milk or white chocolate bars, chips or morsels, or carob. If the chocolate is in bars, chop it up to speed up the melting process.

• What else can I do with dried cherries?

  Dried cherries can be used in all of the same ways you would use raisins—and just like raisins, they make the perfect portable snack. We enjoy them in cold and hot breakfast cereals—muesli, overnight oatmeal and granola—and in yogurt and bread pudding. They add sweetness to green salads, side dishes, stuffings and applesauce, and they are perfect for baking into muffins and quick breads.
  
  

• Can you make date energy balls ahead?

  Absolutely, and we highly recommend it. An airtight container is the best for storing energy balls at home. In the fridge, they'll last for about a week. However, if you'll be toting energy balls for a day trip, we would suggest tucking them into a sturdy container with a lid, as these treats are squishable. You could also use a Mason jar, metal biscuit tin, takeout box or plastic storage container. If they'll be in a hot car, we'd put them in a cooler.

Additional reporting by Carrie Myers, M.S. and Linda Frahm

EatingWell.com, May 2024