Easy to make and a fairly healthy treat (quite high in sugar because of the dried fruit), energy balls are a great idea for snacks on the go. They keep for days in the fridge and freeze well too.

There are lots of recipe variations and I reckon as long as you use equal quantities of nuts and fruit, you could mix whatever you fancy. I soaked the nuts in hot water with a squeeze of lemon juice for a few hours – to remove the mould and lectins which coat raw nuts and cause digestive issues. I also soaked the dried fruit in hot water to rehydrate it and make it softer – the texture of these energy balls was smooth and moist, like a healthy chocolate truffle.

Ingredients (makes at least 20):

• 200g raw cashews
• 100g walnuts and brazil nuts
• 200g dates
• 100g cranberries (apple juice sweetened)
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder
• 1 tablespoon raw cacao
• Pinch of sea salt
• 3 tablespoons coconut oil
• desiccated coconut and raw cacao to coat

Method:

1. Put the nuts into a bowl and pour over hot water to cover. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and mix well. Leave to stand for at least two hours before use (or overnight).
2. Soak the dried fruit in hot water too for a smooth moist texture (optional).
3. Strain the nuts and rinse them. Place them in a food processor and blend until smooth or a fine crumb.
4. Strain the fruit and add to the nuts. Blend until smooth.
5. Add the flavourings. Blend.
6. Melt the coconut oil in a small pan. Drizzle into the food processor until thoroughly mixed.
7. Place the mixture in the fridge for at least an hour to harden and chill.
8. Roll a dessertspoon of the mixture into a ball with your hands. Roll the ball in coconut or cacao.
9. Chill the balls thoroughly before serving.