These treats are delicious and are made with so many tasty and nutritious ingredients.  They store well in the freezer for up to a month.  And because they are filled with dates and nuts and peanut butter, you don't have to feel guilty when you grab one (or two) for a snack.  You will be surprised at how easy they are to make using this great recipe created by Liz Horne, author of the fabulous dessert blog "Sweet Things by Lizzie".

Ingredients

• 1 and 1/2 cups pitted Medjool dates
• (3) bars of dark chocolate (1.23 ounces each)
• 1 cup organic chunky peanut butter
• 1/2 cup roughly chopped almonds
• 2 tablespoons organic honey
• 1/2 cup raw coconut
• 1 teaspoon best quality vanilla
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Preparation

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat and set aside
2. Microwave the chocolate in a pyrex cup for about 45 seconds to a minute until completely melted
3. In the bowl of your food processor, add the dates, peanut butter and melted chocolate. Pulse until completely blended and no big chunks are left
4. Add in the coconut, vanilla, honey and salt. Pulse just a few times until the rest of the ingredients are blended
5. Transfer to another bowl and stir in the almonds
6. Use a small ice cream scoop to scoop the balls, then roll them in your hands until they are smooth and held together well
7. Place the balls on the lined baking sheet and in the fridge until they are nicely chilled before eating them
8. Store them in the fridge in an airtight container for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to a month

Makes: 20-25 chocolate protein balls

Prep time: 25 minutes

Recipe and photo reprinted with the permission of Liz Horne