Vital Bites

These delicious, nut-filled orbs are loaded with all-natural ingredients like walnuts, pecans or almonds; dried dates, cherries and figs; ground flax seeds; unsweetened carob powder; maca powder; shredded coconut and warming spices (to aid circulation) like cinnamon and nutmeg, along with orange zest for a touch of Vitamin C. They are so easy make and can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks....if they last that long! Ingredients 1 cup lightly toasted nuts, (walnuts, pecans or almonds) ½ cup Medjool dates ¼ cup dried cherries ¼ cup dried figs 2 tablespoons ground flax seeds 2 tablespoons unsweetened carob powder or raw cocoa powder 1 teaspoon maca powder ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg 1 tablespoon orange zest ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut 2 tablespoons filtered water Directions: Grind nuts to a powder in food processor.Add all other ingredients and pulse until mixture forms a ball. If mixture is too dry and stiff, add a bit of water. Scoop into even mounds and roll into balls in the palm of your hand.Chill in refrigerator for 1 hour.Can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. (Adapted from Flavors of Health Cookbook by Dr. Ed Bauman and Chef Lizette Marx)