Health Hotline Magazine | March 2025

ESPRESSO ENERGY BITES

Instructions 1. Soak the dates in brewed espresso for 5 minutes (10 minutes if your dates are especially dry). Drain the dates and discard (or drink) the espresso. 2. Combine the nuts and dates in a food processor and process, stopping to scrape down the sides as necessary, until the mixture begins to clump together. Add the vanilla, coconut, ground espresso beans, and salt. Process until well incorporated. If adding chocolate chips, stir them in now. 3. Roll about 1 tablespoon of the “dough” into a ball. Repeat with the remaining dough. If you’d like, roll each ball in shredded coconut or dust with cocoa powder. 4. For the best taste, let the bites rest for at least an hour in the refrigerator to allow the coffee flavor to bloom and the flavors to meld. Store bites in the refrigerator for up to a week. These Espresso Energy Bites will give you a delicious little lift. Made with whole, real ingredients, they are a snap to put together and make a great snack. Not a fan of espresso? No problem! Just sub your favorite brewed Natural Grocers ® Brand Organic Coffee and finely ground coffee for the espresso, or you can even sub decaf for a delicious treat without the caffeine.

Ingredients 7 large pitted Natural Grocers Brand Bulk Organic Medjool Dates , roughly chopped 6–8 ounces brewed Natural Grocers Brand Organic Espresso Roast 1 ¼ cup of N atural Grocers Brand Organic Cashews, Pecans, or Almonds (or a combination) 1 teaspoon organic vanilla extract 2 tablespoons Natural Grocers Brand Bulk Organic Fine Shredded Coconut 1 ½ tablespoons finely ground Natural Grocers Brand Organic Espresso Roast Beans ⅛ teaspoon Natural Grocers Brand Bulk Real Salt ¼ cup Natural Grocers Brand Bulk Organic Fair Trade Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (optional) Optional for topping: Natural Grocers Brand Bulk Organic Cocoa Powder or Fine Shredded Coconut

Makes: 15–20 energy bites Prep time: 15 minutes Total time: 15 minutes

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