Nut Butter, Oat Energy Bites

~makes 15 large or 20 small bites, gluten & dairy-free options

- 30 small pitted dates (Deglet Noor is what I use)

- ½ cup almonds

- ½ cup walnuts or cashews

- ½ cup unsweetened coconut flakes

- ½ cup old fashioned oats (gluten-free if desired)

- ¼ cup ground/milled flaxseed

- ½ cup natural peanut butter (or almond butter)

- 1 TBSP honey

- 1 TBSP agave nectar (or use 2 additional TBSPs honey)

*optional: ¼ cup dark chocolate chips, cocoa nibs, or raisins

     First pulse all nuts in a large food processor on high until reduced in size by half. Then add dates. Pulse on high until fine and sticky, then add peanut butter, honey/agave, oats, flax, and coconut. Continue to pulse until completely mixed and a ball starts to form. Add additional mix-ins at this time and pulse for 30 seconds. Press mixture into small balls in your hands and place on cookie sheet that has wax paper. Freeze for 1 hour so shape holds. I keep these in the freezer, but they will be fine in the refrigerator too! They won't last long enough to go bad!