Sometimes it just takes a little extra nudge to get ourselves into action.
That nudge came to me earlier this week. I was working out with a few girls from work and it was tough and sweaty. It was a cardio class at one of our new favorites in town called corestrong. The owner, Stephanie, is one of those people who can always seem to get you to do that "one more." One more rep, one more squat, heck, even one more burpee. She is the nudge, so to say. She has that no nonsense approach but also makes you feel valued and that what you do when you walk in the room matters. Trust me, I HATE to run, and yet when I go to her class, I run. That is just plain magic if you ask me!
In the middle of class, as I was sweating through some jump squats, we got to chatting about key lime pie and how we needed a good key lime pie recipe that was clean and healthier. If there's anything to get me through jump squats, talking about food is the trick because I made it through all 40 reps.
Later in the day, I decided to come back to a recipe I had been working on. It wouldn't be key lime pie, but it would satisfy the refreshing, sweet, summery craving I had for now. See? All I needed was a little nudge and I was back in the kitchen. These Key Lime Pie Energy Bites are made with only a handful of ingredients and only use dates to sweeten naturally. I made these using just one large lime, not a key lime for the first batch because the store I went to didn't have any key limes. They still tasted great to me. If you are using key limes, 2-3 will do the trick. I went for 3 to really get more of a strong flavor. Even if using regular limes, you may want to add a bit more juice or zest to add strength. If you don't have macadamia nuts around, just toss in more cashews or even pecans instead. Also, you don't have to roll these into balls, they can be pressed into a parchment lined pan to make bars as well. Or you may be like me and just eat straight from the food processor. Your pick! So if you aren't getting to Florida this summer for some good key lime pie, give these a try instead.
Oh, and don't worry, a clean Key Lime Pie is definitely on the list of recipes to come so stay tuned for that!
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw almonds
- 1/2 cup raw cashews
- 1/2 cup unsalted macadamia nuts
- 10-11 Medjool dates pitted
- 1 tsp vanilla
- Juice of 3-4 key limes or 1-2 regular limes depending on desired strength of lime flavor
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 2-3 cranks ground sea salt
Instructions
- In a food processor, process almonds, cashews and macadamia nuts until a fine, grainy consistency.
- Add in all other ingredients and process until a dough like consistency starts to form.
- Roll into bite sized balls.
- Chill for about 10-20 minutes or enjoy right away!
- Store in the refrigerator for up to about one week.
Do these have to be refrigerated? I am going to Haiti on a missions trip for a week and am looking for something that does not require refrigeration. (And I like key lime pie )
Hey there! Technically they are the exact same ingredients as Larabars and those are not refrigerated so you may be ok. Have a great trip!