Energy Date Balls

These energy date balls are spiced to perfection. While the addition of olives may sound strange, the result is superb.

Serves: about 20 balls

Prep Time: 15 min

Cooking Time: 5 min

Total:  15 min

Ingredients

1/2 cup sliced or slivered almonds, toasted
3/4 cup unsalted roasted pistachios, shelled
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
250g pitted dates, chopped
1-2 pitted kalamata olives
1/2 tbsp. fresh grated ginger
1 tbsp. fresh orange juice
1/2 tbsp. orange zest
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp. ground cardamom

Directions

1. Toast almonds in a preheated oven for 3-5 minutes, or until golden.  Let cool completely.
2. In a food processor, grind pistachios to form a coarse powder.  Transfer 1/4 of the pistachio powder onto a plate and set aside.
3. Add the rest of the ingredients into the food processor and process until well combined.
4. Taste and adjust if necessary.
5. Scoop tablespoons of mixture and roll into balls.
6. Roll balls in pistachio powder to coat.
7. Serve and store in an air-tight container.

Lightly adapted from foodandwine.com