SUPERFOOD GRANOLA BALLS

SUPERFOOD GRANOLA BALLS

When working to create this recipe in partnership with Montmorency Tart Cherries, I wanted to create something that would be easy to grab and eat after dinner.

As you may remember, preliminary studies have been done on Montmorency tart cherries, one of the few food sources of melatonin and have explored the duration and quality of sleep, which is why it’s one of my favorite potential benefits of tart cherries.

The base recipe for these little balls is made with just the tart cherries. The good fats in these are a blood-sugar friendly snack option for the evening.

Should you want to get even more creative, I’ve included two other options for nighttime friendly variations.

INGREDIENTS BASE:

  • 1 cup coconut shreds

  • 1/2 cup dried Montmorency tart cherries

  • 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted

  • 1/4 cup coconut butter

  • 1/2 cup raw pumpkin seeds

  • 1/2 cup cashews

  • 1/2 cup almonds

  • 1 tsp cinnamon

  • 1/3 cup almond milk

DIRECTIONS:

Mix everything in a food processor. Could try a high speed blender, but because these are low in liquid, a food processor will be easier.

Form into balls in the size of your preference and dietary needs.

ADAPTOGEN VARIATION:

If adaptogens are part of your routine, adding the calming power of reishi is a perfect complement to the cherries.

Add to the above ingredients and mix in:

  • 3 tsp powdered reishi (more or less depending on your individual’s needs)

  • 2 T organic dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs, the nibs are a lower sugar option

  • cinnamon, for dusting balls

CHAMOMILE VARIATION:

Either add in 1/3 cup cooled and concentrated chamomile tea, or roll balls in chamomile flowers. Note: if you have ragweed allergies, avoid the whole flowers.

As with any supplements or changes to your diet, please consult with your physician before beginning.







Katie Buchanan