I love breakfast. LOVE it. I love the stillness of early morning, a mug of tea in my hands, bacon sizzling in a skillet, batter plopped into a pan, and the loopy drizzle of maple syrup that finishes it all off. Perfection! If you’ve read the recipe section of this blog before you may have already surmised that I am a dedicated breakfast enthusiast: from pepper fried eggs to superfood smoothies and grain-free muffins, we’ve covered it all. Yet despite my love for all things breakfast-y, I have to admit that some mornings I simply have no time. So, for all of those racing out the door with hair wet and shoes untied type of mornings, here are some quick no-bake breakfast bites that will start your day off right.

Breakfast is important. Yet, contrary to the conventional guidelines which would have you chewing plump bagels and slurping down spoonfuls of playful cereals to start the day, the key to a truly healthy first meal is incorporating a substantial amount of quality protein and delicious fat. There is a reason why refined carbohydrate-filled breakfasts leave you neurotically crinkling granola bar wrappers at 10 am. I wrote all about it in the 5 Ways Back to a Balanced Breakfast, but to sum the story up neatly: your body simply needs the appetite, mood and blood sugar stabilizing effects of fat and protein in the morning to set the metabolic tone of the day.

These delicious little breakfast bites offer just that: a tasty burst of protein, satisfying fats and a dash of natural fiber in just one chomp. Make them ahead of time and keep them in the refrigerator if you know your week is going to be a hectic one. Pop a few in your mouth on your way out the door and you will be good to go!

 

Base:

1 cup sprouted cashews

1/2 cup sprouted walnuts

6 dates, pitted

2 tablespoons cold pressed coconut oil

2 tablespoons coconut flour

coconut flakes (for garnish)

Possible Fillings (pick one, pick two...the choice is yours!):

1/2 cup raspberries, blueberries (fresh or defrosted)

2 tablespoons whole flaxseeds

2 tablespoons whole chia seeds

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 tablespoon manuka honey

2 tablespoons goji berries

a handful of dark chocolate chips (okay, maybe not for breakfast...)

Add dates to a food processor or high power blender, and pulverize into a paste. Add coconut flour, your choice of nuts (remember to use sprouted nuts or soak them yourself first), and drizzle in melted coconut oil. Blend until nuts are just about smooth and oil is well combined. With power off, fold in desired fillings. Remove by the tablespoon and shape nut mix into a ball. Roll through coconut flakes to cover. Eat immediately or toss onto a sheet of parchment paper to keep in the refrigerator for later.

Note: if the food processor you are using introduces a lot of heat or you are making this recipe in a warm environment, you may need refrigerate the nut mix prior to shaping so as to prevent a melty mess on your countertop.