Bite-Sized Energy Boosters for Some Cycle Fun

Cycle for Life Group before Cape Cycle Race

After weeks of training, the day finally arrived for the big Cape Town Cycle Tour. Though devastating fires created havoc in the southern peninsula, the race could not be cancelled. Our band of weekend warriors, the Cycle for Life riders, could finally strut their stuff, even though the race was cut back to half the distance.

Yesterday, as I studied the route and Wind Guru, I thought it best to be prepared for the worst and rushed into the pantry to create these little tasty devils. I initially found the recipe on the the messy bakers blog, which I adapted to the ingredients I had on hand. I find them so much more appealing than the energy bars that one can buy at most bike and food stores. Their flavor is lovely, with a crunch from the chocolate and a squirt from the cranberry. The price is unbeatable and yes, it came from my pantry…no shopping necessary for this recipe. I have no doubt that most people would have these ingredients in their homes. Remember to be flexible and substitute if you do not have all the items necessary.

_Energy Balls

Cranberry Choco-Nut Energy Balls

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Yield: 12 balls

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup toasted pecans
  • 2 tablespoons flaxseed meal
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup almond butter
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons chopped chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. In the bowl of your food processor, add toasted pecans and flaxseed meal.
  2. Pulse until the pecans are finely chopped.
  3. Add the dried cherries. Pulse until the cherries are coarsely chopped.
  4. Add the almond butter, maple syrup, vanilla, and 1/2 of the chocolate chips.
  5. Pulse until the thoroughly combined and the mixture forms a dough ball.
  6. Add the remaining chocolate chips to the mixture.
  7. Gather two teaspoons of dough in the palm of your hand and roll until smooth.
  8. Store the balls between a layer of wax paper in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
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Finishing the Race

The good news is that I finished the race while snacking on my energy balls and feeling good about having raised awareness and money for the anti-poaching unit at Nkonka Game Reserve. Giving Rhinos a voice was worth the training and final race!

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