These bites are great as a pre-workout snack for those first-thing-in-the-morning workouts. Featuring Pretty Great Coffee! These instant coffee packets are ‘pretty great’ and are a lovely travel companion for an easy cup of coffee. ALSO they work great in homemade sports food and baked goods such as these bites!
Boost of caffeine, optimal energy/calories, whole food nutrient-packed ingredients, and easy on the tummy. While it can be hard to get food down first thing in the morning, these bites will make you excited to get out of bed, eat these delicious coffee-flavored and filled morsels, and bang out your workout. They also work great as fuel for during longer moderate activities like 2+ hour long bike rides and runs. Cut the almonds in half to boost the carbs and make them a great snack for during higher intense exercise and/or if you’ll be eating them within 30 minutes of starting your workout.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup instant oats for bites
- 1 cup raw unsalted almonds
- 2 cups dates, pitted
- 2-3 teaspoons instant coffee, 1-2 packets Pretty Great coffee or 1/4 cup very strongly brewed coffee or 1 shot espresso
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Add almonds to the (empty) food processor. Process until you have a fine texture.
- Add all other ingredients to the food processor and PULSE until there is an even consistency. I recommend pulsing rather than simply pressing the ON button on your food processor. If the dates are too big they can throw the blade off the spindle. Alternatively, you can chop the dates before putting them in the food processor with the other ingredients. The mixture will look dry, but TRUST ME, when you form them with your hands they will firm right up.
- Take about 1 tablespoon of the mixture, roll/mash it into a ball with the palms of your hands (like forming play-dough). Repeat until all the mixture is gone. There should be about 13-14 bites per batch.
- Cover the plate of bites and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. These are best stored in the fridge so they keep for longer, but can also be stored in a cool dark place in your kitchen. Enjoy before a workout, during workouts, or as a snack. Be aware these bites contain caffeine! Watch out for eating these in the afternoon or evening to not disturb your sleep.
Notes:
Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks or freeze up to 3 months. If you’re using strongly brewed coffee add extra cocoa powder, oat flour, or almonds until consistency is formable.
PS. This isn’t even a paid promotion, I just like the coffee and my husband works with one of the owners on occasion. 🙂
