Medjool Date, Almond & Cinnamon Energy Bites

How to prepare:

1. If the dates feel firm, soak them in warm water for 5 minutes, then drain well.
   
2. Pulse the dates and almonds in a food processor until they form a sticky, coarse dough.
   
3. Add the chia seeds, cinnamon, honey and salt. Pulse a few more times until evenly combined.
   
4. Roll the mixture into 12 walnut-sized balls, pressing firmly so they hold together.
   
5. Roll a few of the energy bites in extra crushed almonds for added texture.
   
6. Chill for 20 minutes before serving.

Why it works:dates supply fast, fibre-buffered energy in place of refined sugar; almonds add protein and unsaturated fat; chia contributes plant omega-3s.

Serve them the way dates are served in a majlis — on a small plate with coffee — or box them as a post-workout snack; the recipe reads naturally either way.