Energy balls are pleasingly round, pack a punch and they’re everywhere

Simple to make and very, very tasty, energy balls are brilliantly handy ball-shaped snacks – just the job in a lunchbox, for picnics in the woods, to fuel some digging in the garden, or as a little boost before bed! They can be sweet or savoury, any size you fancy, packed with healthy ingredients or just a few simple leftovers, but always full of natural energy.

Hazelnut & cacao chocolate balls

A little chocolatey treat! Cacao is the raw version of cocoa powder and packed with antioxidants and iron. A great reason to eat raw chocolates

Makes 15–20 balls
150g hazelnuts
300g dates
2 tbsp peanut butter
3–4 tbsp cacao powder, plus extra to coat
1½ tbsp coconut oil

1 Put all the ingredients in a food processor and whizz until combined. Add extra cacao powder if you’d like a more decadent-tasting ball.
2 With the motor running, add a little water if necessary (1–2 tbsp) until the mixture starts to form a sticky ball.
3 Scoop out little handfuls of the mixture and roll into balls, any size you like. Roll the balls in extra cacao powder for a more trufflesque look.
4 Put the balls in the fridge for an hour or the freezer for 20 minutes to firm up before eating. They will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for around a week.

Turn to page 46 of February’s The Simple Things for more energy ball recipes, including Brazil nut & broccoli balls, Spicy black bean burrito balls, and DIY energy balls.