No Bake Pumpkin Energy Balls

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 cup (heaping) canned pumpkin
• 1 1/4 cup dry oats
• 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
• 1/8 cup raisins
• 1/8 cup chocolate chips
• 1/2 tbsp flaxseeds (whole or ground)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1 1/2 tbsp Pure Maple Syrup

DIRECTIONS

1. Combine all ingredients into one large bowl. I started mixing with a spoon then used my two hands to press and fold everything together.
2. Roll into 10 balls about 1" in diameter.
3. Place on a wax paper-lined pan or plate and chill in fridge for about 30 minutes.
4. That's it! Store in an air tight container either in the fridge or freezer.

If you'd like; here is another variation...

INGREDIENTS

• 1/4 cup almond butter
• 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 1 tbsp. real maple syrup
• 1 tbsp. chia seed
• 1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
• Pinch of kosher salt
• 1.5 ounces dark chocolate

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large bowl combine almond butter, pumpkin puree, almond flour, maple syrup, chia seeds, pumpkin pie spice, and kosher salt. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
2. Scoop up about 1 tbsp. of dough and roll in the palm of your hands to create a small, golf-sized ball. You should get about 8 balls.
3. Place the balls on a plate lined with parchment paper (or a tray with a silpat mat) in the freezer while you melt your chocolate.
4. Set up a double boiler (see example in this video). Add two ounces of dark chocolate and stir periodically until the chocolate has melted down.
5. Remove the pumpkin balls form the freezer and dip each one in the chocolate to coat half of the pumpkin ball. Place back on the parchment paper and continue until you have dipped all the pumpkin balls.
6. Place them back in the freezer and enjoy any time you need a quick and delicious nutrient packed snack.
7. Makes 8 balls.