Samoa Inspired Energy Bites

The other day, someone brought a box of Girl Scout cookies to my barre studio, and I sat there as it stared me in the face. It wasn’t that I was tempted by them – I slip quickly into a sugar coma at the thought – but I actually get a little upset that such products exist. Call me un-American, but the list of ingredients is nothing I would touch with a ten foot pole. Dramatic I know.

I find such pleasure in “healthifying” those foods that people love; that evoke emotions and stir up feelings of nostalgia, comfort and joy. So when I came across Brittany’s recipe, I knew I had to recreate them myself. I switched it up a bit, given what I had on hand, and I must say, they turned out pretty tasty!

Samoa Inspired Energy Bites

• 3/4 cup Medjool dates (about 8), pitted
• 1/3 cup sunflower seed butter
• 1 tablespoon coconut butter, melted
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut
• 1/8 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 tablespoon cacao nibs

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil and spread shredded coconut evenly. Roast 3-7 minutes, until golden brown. In a food processor, add dates, sunflower seed butter, coconut butter, vanilla and sea salt. Process 10-15 seconds. Add half roasted shredded coconut and cacao nibs. Process again until well combined. Roll into bite-sized balls, rolling in remaining coconut until covered. Refrigerate for at least an hour. Enjoy!