This is a recipe for some high energy treats that are great to use as a pre or post workout snack.  Or, if you choose, they can even be used as a quick "anytime" snack along with a piece of fresh fruit.  Be sure they are kept refrigerated or cold as they tend to soften if at room temperature.

They taste so good, with the combo of peanut butter and chocolate (carob is like chocolate, it just doesn’t have the caffeine in it and some of us can do without more stress on the adrenal glands), that you can even call it a "treat".  Guaranteed to help curb that sweet tooth!

Experiment, to make it your favourite, by adding chopped dried fruit and/or nuts.

Makes about 36.

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup (160 ml) dry red lentils
• ½ cup honey (if crystallized, heat briefly in the microwave or a small saucepan just until it’s liquid again, allow to cool before proceeding)
• 1 1/3 cup (330 ml) smooth, natural, peanut butter
• 1/3 cup (80 ml) Carob powder
• 1/8 tsp (1 ml) salt
• 1/3 cup (80 ml) sesame seeds
• 1/2 cup (125 ml) medium unsweetened shredded coconut
• additional coconut for rolling balls in (if desired or use sesame seeds or crushed nuts)

 

Directions

• In a small saucepan, cover the lentils with water by an inch or two, bring to a boil and simmer until soft, about 15 minutes. Rinse very briefly, then drain and let cool in the colander. Lay out a double thickness of sturdy paper towel on the counter. Using your hands, and working one handful at a time, squeeze out as much water as possible out of the lentils and then spread the lentils out on the paper towel. Cover with another two paper towels and then press or gently wring to remove even more liquid: the lentils should be almost powdery in texture when you’re done. Transfer to the bowl of a food processor.

• Pour the honey over the lentils, and process until as smooth as possible. Add the peanut butter and process until the mixture stiffens, about a minute. Transfer to a medium bowl and add the cocoa, salt, sesame seeds and coconut, and stir until thoroughly combined. Cover and refrigerate until firm, about an hour or two (or you can place in the freezer for about 30 minutes).

• Roll the mixture into balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and then roll in coconut to coat. Store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to two weeks.

 

Loreli loves to exercise, and she loves to eat too! Her fitness company, Alter Ego Fitness Experience, offers outdoor Group Fitness (boot camp) classes and Personal Training.  Loreli is very aware, due to personal experience, of the value of healthy food that not only nourishes the body, but also nourishes the mind and pleases the palate.

“One cannot think well, love well, or sleep well, if one has not dined well.” - Virginia Wolfe