Mint-Cocoa Energy Balls

Perfect as a pre or post exercise snack; these little refreshing bites are totally healthy, full of natural ingredients, and easy to take with you throughout the week for those necessary pick-me-up moments!

mint cocoa enery balls photoAs a qualified aromatherapist, I’ve been using essential oils for a long time in homemade skincare products, massage oils, and cleaning products, but not always in cooking. Certain essential oils are low-grade and not suitable for consumption, but when you get your hands on an oil that is edible, it’s definitely worth making the most of it.

I don’t work with and am not affiliated with doTERRA essential oils at all, but I must admit, their stuff is great, and it’s been fun experimenting with some of their oils in recipes like this cold brew iced latte with cardamom essential oil. Today’s recipe includes their peppermint essential oil, and as peppermint is typically cooling and enhances digestion, it’s one of the best oils to use during the Summer. Interestingly, according to a study from Wheeling Jesuit University; peppermint-infused mouth guards gave US college rugby players more motivation, energy, speed and confidence. Some athletes use peppermint inhalers, whilst Reebok have even designed a sports bra that smells of peppermint! 

So, if you’re planning a full-on day, need some motivation to workout, or need to refuel whilst you’re out and about, try this simple recipe and take these snacks with you this week!

Ingredients

(makes 25-30 energy balls)

  • 2 1/2 cups oats
  • 1 cup dates (soaked in warm water for 10 minutes)
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup honey / agave / brown rice syrup / your choice of natural sweetener
  • 2 tbsp coconut oil
  • Roughly 6-8 drops of edible peppermint essential oil

Method

Soak the dates (stones removed) in a bowl with warm water for 10 minutes

Add the oats and cocoa powder to a blender or food processor and whizz until the oats become almost flour-like

Add 4 drops of peppermint oil

Add the dates and whizz again

Add the honey and coconut oil and whizz again

Add the last 2-4 drops of peppermint oil and whizz until everything is well combined and starts to stick together

Scoop out a small amount of the mixture at a time and roll into bite size balls

Store in the fridge for about 20 minutes to set and then pop a few into a reusable box to take with you this week!

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