Small batch No-bake Date and Tahini Balls

It’s in the middle of summer and it's been very hot! I really do not have any desire to turn on the oven, but I have a lingering to make something quick, relatively healthy and even a quick energy boost.

I figured it may be time to make no-bake something. I’ve been seeing these in Pinterest and Instagram and was waiting for an opportunity to make them. I guess these hot summers are the best time to make them.

Most of the recipes that I found have a lot of protein through nuts and sugar through honey. I wanted a better balance of carbs and protein since I often need the quick energy from carbs (and sugar) but need the long lasting replenishment that protein provides.

Enter oatmeal. Oatmeal is usually my go-to breakfast. I love the fiber content and I usually have it in our pantry.

Now, what to mix it with.

This looks like trouble... good trouble.

I happen to have Date Spread and Tahini handy. The date spread is from my “Try the World” subscription. I have not worked with date spread before and I think this would be a good recipe to try it on.

I usually have tahini during the summer because I love making tahini sauce and using it in my tuna salads since (I think) tahini lasts a bit longer than mayo in the summer heat. I have also been thinking about making cookies, but again, it’s been too hot. I guess this would be a good substitute.

I started with a small batch because I am not sure if Hubby or I will enjoy them. I have not envisioned myself getting satisfied with a couple of energy balls. In fact, I am afraid that I may end up eating all of it. Also, I want to save some of that date spread for other stuff. That said, since a number of folks seem to love these no-bake balls, I am willing to give them a try and see if I like them.

Here's what I have so far...

Mad Gourmet's No-Bake Date and Tahini Balls

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup tahini
• 2 Tbsp date spread
• 1 Tbsp + 1 tsp cocoa nibs

Directions

1. Toast oats on a pan (Optional - to give it some additional texture)
2. Combine tahini and date spread in a bowl until it is thoroughly mixed.
3. Add oats and cocoa nibs. (I added them gradually to ensure an even mix)
4. Roll into balls about an inch in diameter.
5. Cover and put dough in the freezer or refrigerator until firm.

Verdict

I love this recipe. With the combination of dates and tahini, each bite can transport you to Turkey or somewhere in the Middle East.

This is the perfect snack after my martial arts class. Two balls are surprisingly filling for a snack. The blend of carbs and protein are a great post-workout recovery snack. The addition of the date sauce give it a natural sweetness and cocoa nibs the additional crunch. I am not sure if toasting the oats is needed, since it softens once its mixed in.

I love that its quick and relatively easy to make. I think it took me about 20 minutes to make the first batch, because I was thinking of what to do next. I can imagine that this will take me half that time once I get the recipe down.

Give it a try and let me know what you think. My next step – try it with Peanut Butter. Oh my!