Chocolate-Covered Nut and Seed Energy Balls

Ingredients

1. Dates: 80 grams (3 ounces) / ½ cup
2. Dried Apricots: 100 grams (3.5 ounces) / ⅔ cup
3. Walnuts: 60 grams (2 ounces) / ½ cup
4. Sunflower Seeds: 15 grams (0.5 ounces) / 2 tablespoons
5. Almonds: 30 grams (1 ounce) / ¼ cup
6. Sesame Seeds: 30 grams (1 ounce) / ¼ cup
7. Pumpkin Seeds: 20 grams (0.7 ounces) / 2½ tablespoons
8. Jerusalem Artichoke Syrup: 15 ml (0.5 fl oz) / 1 tablespoon
9. Vanilla Extract: a few drops
10. Dark Chocolate (sugar-free): 100 grams (3.5 ounces) / ⅔ cup
11. Olive Oil: 13 ml (0.4 fl oz) / 1 tablespoon
12. White Chocolate (sugar-free): 100 grams (3.5 ounces) / ⅔ cup
13. Ground Pumpkin Seeds: 7 grams (0.2 ounces) / 1 tablespoon
14. Ground Almond Kernels: 7 grams (0.2 ounces) / 1 tablespoon

Directions

Prepare the Dried Fruits:
Soak dates and dried apricots in cold water for 15 minutes to remove preservatives and activate beneficial substances.
Remove the seeds from the dates.

Blend the Ingredients:
In a blender, grind the walnuts and sunflower seeds until finely chopped.
Add the soaked dates and dried apricots, and blend until you achieve a smooth paste.

Prepare the Nuts and Seeds:
Fry the almonds in a pan until golden brown, then chop them with a knife.
Add sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, chopped almonds, Jerusalem artichoke syrup, and vanilla extract to the blended mixture. Mix well.

Shape the Mixture:
Form small spheres from the mixture and place them in a silicone mold.
Flatten the balls slightly and refrigerate for 20 minutes.

Coat with Chocolate:
Melt the dark chocolate in a water bath, then stir in 13 ml of olive oil. Pour the mixture over the flattened balls in the mold.
Repeat the melting process with the white chocolate, adding olive oil, and pouring over the dark chocolate layer.

Decorate and Chill:
Grind pumpkin seeds and almond kernels, then sprinkle over the white chocolate layer.
Place the molds in the fridge for 30-40 minutes until the chocolate is completely solid.

Serving Suggestions
Serve as an after-dinner treat with coffee or tea.
Add to a festive platter with other homemade sweets.
Perfect for a quick snack or energy boost on the go.

Cooking Tips
Ensure the nuts are finely chopped to create a smoother texture in the final product.
Use high-quality dark and white chocolate for the best flavor.
Customize with your favorite nuts and seeds for a personalized touch.

Nutritional Benefits
Rich in Fiber: Dates and apricots provide natural sweetness and a good source of dietary fiber.
Heart-Healthy Fats: Nuts and seeds add healthy fats, which support heart health.
Antioxidants: Dark chocolate contains antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation.