Today I’m sharing another easy four ingredient snack (or dessert) with you, similar to the raw cacao bites I shared back in August. They are packed with healthy fats, biotin and vitamin E from the almonds and fiber and iron from the dates. Lemon and goji berries lend a nice dose of vitamin C to boost your immune system.
If you’re not familiar with goji berries, they have been known throughout Asia as one of the most nutrient-rich foods for thousands of years. They are somewhat sweet and sour at the same time. I don’t prefer to eat them plain (although my 16 month old does) but I do love them in trail mix or in these little bites. Goji berries are comprised of 18 amino acids, antioxidants, vitamins A, C, and E, and more than 20 other trace minerals and vitamins including zinc, iron, phosphorus and riboflavin (B2). Ounce for ounce, they contain more vitamin C than oranges, more beta-carotene than carrots, and more iron than soybeans and spinach! They are pricey but certainly pack in a lot of nutrition and I use them sparingly so they last awhile.
no-bake lemon goji bites
adapted from oh lady cakes
yields about 45 small bites
ingredients
2 cups raw almonds
10 medjool dates, pitted
½ cup goji berries
zest of 1 organic lemon
juice of 1 lemon
pinch of salt
directions
put almonds in food processor and blend until it looks like almond flour/meal (refer to picture).
add dates, salt, zest and lemon juice and blend until well combined.
if the mixture doesn’t seem to stick when you press it together with your fingers, you can add a little water (1 tablespoon at a time) but if you soak your nuts it should be plenty moist
add goji berries by hand or pulse a few times in food processor to combine
press mixture onto flat surface about ½” thick. cut out shapes with a cookie cutter or roll into bite sized balls
refrigerate or freeze for about 20 minutes to harden before serving.
store in refrigerator for up to a week or freezer for up to a month
