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Chocolate Chia Chili Chomps (aka Chocolate Balls)

These fudgy nuggets are my son's favorite treat in his school lunch box.  Packed full of Omega-3-rich seeds (sooooo good for skin, nails, and brain), protein and chocolate goodness, I'm happy to pack them....and snack on a couple myself! 

Servings: 16 balls
Ingredients
  • 1 cup packed pitted dates about 12 large/20 small
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries or cherries
  • 1/4 cup hulled hemp seeds
  • 3 tbsp chia seeds
  • 1/4 cup sesame seeds
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper*
  • 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1/4 cup mini semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips*
Instructions
  1. Add dates and cranberries into food processor and process until a chunky paste starts to form. Option: finely chop dried fruit-it won’t turn into a true paste but will be close enough.

  2. Add in hemp, chia, sesame, cocoa, vanilla, cinnamon, cayenne and salt. Pulse until thoroughly combined. Add chocolate chips and pulse a few more times, just to stir in. NOTE: dough should come together and be sticky when squeezed. If not, add a touch of water (1 tsp at a time) until it comes together but isn’t wet!

  3. Shape dough into small balls (about 16) and enjoy right away, or freeze for 20 minutes, or until firm. Store leftovers in the fridge or freezer until your next snack attack hits, and DEFINITELY munch on a couple of these as a post-workout treat!

Recipe Notes

Makes about 16 chomps
*cayenne is optional (I leave it out for the kids, but for adults it's Amaze)
**to make these 100% plant-based, look for vegan chocolate chips