Bite Of Minnesota: Homemade Energy Bites

Working out and staying active is such an important part of keeping our bodies healthy. While I am aware of this correlation, sometimes my energy levels drop causing me to skip a workout and focus on dinner instead.

To avoid this problem, I started carrying a stash of Lara Bars for a pre-workout snack to keep me going until dinner. After running out of my stash, I decided to make my own "energy bites" thanks to the recipe research done by Camilla at Enlightened Cooking.

Years ago, back when I didn't have a food processor, I resorted to using a hammer to meld everything together. Luckily, I now own a food processor to do the heavy lifting in a recipe like this. Making these energy bites are surprisingly easy (if you have a food processor) and I quickly made three varieties: cherry, blueberry bliss, and peanut butter & jelly. Each was wrapped in plastic wrap to mold into a bar shape and then cut into cubes for mini-snacks. The peanut butter and jelly one was my favorite and since it uses such simple ingredients, I had to share these great grab and go snacks.

Want a chocolate fix instead? Check out the step-by-step guide to making Energy Orbs.

Fruity Energy Bites
Credit: Enlightened Cooking
(makes 2 bars)

1/4 cup dried cherries
1/4 cup raisins
1/3 cup peanuts (unsalted if possible)

Soak cherries and raisins in warm water (avoid boiling or hot water) for 3 minutes or until softened. Drain and pat dry. Place in a food processor and pulse until mixture turns paste-like. Set mixture in a medium bowl.

In the same food processor (without washing), pulse peanuts until finely chopped. Add to fruit mixture and use a spatula or your hands to combine.

Divide mixture among 2 pieces of plastic wrap. Using the plastic wrap, form each piece into a bar and refrigerate overnight. Unwrap and cut into cubes as needed. Store in the refrigerator, tightly sealed.