I love energy chunks. What can I say? They're quick to prepare. They're easy on the stomach. They're healthy. And this one, in particular, is raw. Well, I *think* it's raw. But those of you who eat a raw diet can tell me the answer to this question, and then we'll know for sure: Is agave syrup raw? If so, then, yes. They're raw. If not, it's back to the drawing board.
Anyway, the best thing about energy chunks is that you can pretty much go wild with your ingredients. I recently purchased some cacao at a local health foods store. My friends have suggested some tasty uses for the little nibs . . . but for my first try, I thought I'd go with substituting them for chocolate chips.
What exactly is a cacao nib? According to Nativas Naturals, the company who produces what you see above, it's "a sweet, all natural chocolate product is reminiscent of a chocolate-coated coffee bean" and has "soaring levels of antioxidants, as well as trace minerals like magnesium and iron."
At first, the nibs taste a little . . . well . . . not like chocolate. But when you put them in things -- like this energy chunk -- you seriously get some amazing chocolate flavor. Give 'em a chance. It's chocolate with all the nutrition nature intended!
What you'll need . . .
- 1/2 cup raw cashews
- 1/4 cup agave nectar (or I think maple syrup would be delish!)
- 1 cup steel cut oats
- 1/4 cup cacao nibs
- 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
Method . . .
- Put all ingredients in a food processor and blend. I suggest blending all but the cacao nibs. Then add them in a pulse a few times.
- Adjust the wet ingredient level (the agave) depending on your desired consistency.
- Use a tablespoon to scoop out heaping amounts and place on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper.
- Refrigerate for a couple hours until firm.
And if you like this recipe, you'll be sure to enjoy these other energy-packed treats!
- Cocoa-Nut Butter Energy Chunks
- Vegan Energy Bars
- Vegan, Gluten-Free "Nutella" Balls
- Coconut-Carob Chip "Cookies"
11 comments:
I think some agave is not raw. I buy agave that is labelled as raw. Same for oats - typically steel cut oats are not raw - they are steamed at a high temp. I buy raw oat groats and then gring only what I need at a time. :)
"grind" not gring. sorry!
Oh and same for coconut - I buy raw.
Not that I eat 100% raw - even when I was high high raw I used some non-raw items - various vinegars and such. But being as high raw as possible has great health benefits! :)
I know the coconut I used was raw. And actually, I just checked -- and the agave I used DOES say raw on it. Phew. As far as the oats, I thought they were raw . . . hmm. I didn't even think about that. Ugh. Airhead moment. Sorry, folks! But they are most definitely vegan! Enjoy :)
And thanks, Janice!
Actually, here's some info on steel-cut oats and "raw"-ness http://prettysmartrawfoodideas.wordpress.com/2009/04/09/are-the-oats-you-are-buying-raw/
ha - that is one of the links I always refer back to!! When I am 'thinking' raw I always make sure that the product is listed as such because there is so much confusion out there. And even some products that SAY raw on them, are not really raw. Which irks me to no end.
I wouldn't worry about your recipe though - its au natural and mostly raw and uber healthy!
Janice
Wow, these look fantastically easy and yummy! Bookmarking this post so I can try out the recipe :) Thanks!
These look very yummy and would be nice when I have class and work all day. I am thinking about getting a large food processor (I only have a 1 cup one right now...) but until then do you have any suggestions on how I could make them without a food processor?
As always, these little treats look great (there are some weeks when I practically LIVE on your coconut carob chunks).
Umm.. you may want to do a little digging into agave. Its relative rawness isn't the only question. Here is one perspective from a reputable doctor (he's kind of cheesy, but respected among holistic nutritionists and health counselors): http://www.drmercola.com/2010/03/7-reasons-why-you-should-avoid-agave.html
Clearly more research needs to be done, but what's out there was enough for me to break up with the tasty nectar. So sad. Just some food for thought....
These sounds amazing - I've been obsessed with these sort of "treats" lately, too. And I've been dying to try cacao nibs - next online order I place, they're in the cart!
yay for cacao nibs!! the comment above is exactly what i was going to mention, however, regarding agave nectar. i've been thinking about sending you the link for a while now, since agave comes up so often in your recipes, i just never got around to it- sorry! it's so disappointing, but honestly when it comes to these raw energy 'balls' or 'chunks' just add more dates or dried figs to up the sweetness factor and hold it all together. oh, and dates are amazing to blend into a smoothie for added sweetness!
keep up the great blog- i'm 23 and i don't run but i still love it here!!
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