Nut Free Energy Balls

This recipe is perfect for kids lunches since they are nut free!  Kids and adults love them!  I used tahini instead of sunflower seed butter and dried cherries, but feel free to use your favorite ingredients...Ingredients:1 Cup Certified Gluten Free Oats (or Quinoa Flakes if you don’t tolerate Oats)3 Tbsp Ground Chia3 Tbsp Raw Shelled Hemp Seeds (or Pumpkin Seeds, Coarsely Chopped)2-3 Tbsp Raw Cacao Powder1 tsp Cinnamon1/4 tsp Sea Salt2/3 Cup Sunflower Seed Butter (I used tahini and if it doesn't have to be nut free then any of your favorite Nut Butter is great too!)1/3 Cup Maple Syrup OR Raw Honey2 tsp Vanilla1/3 – 1/2 Cup Mix-Ins (such as Raisins, Dried Cranberries, or Allergy-Friendly Chocolate Chips-or a combination of all)Mix in your blender or in a bowl all the ingredients except for the mix-ins.  Once blended or mixed all in the mix-ins of your choice.  Roll up into balls and then keep them in the fridge or freezer!Enjoy!JanaRECIPE FOR BABY LED WEANING DATE & OAT BALLSGo to the Baby Led Weaning Blog for more information on baby led weaning: http://www.lestudiovie.com/baby-led-weaning-musingsIn a food processor blend:1 cup of dates1/3 cup of plain oatsYou can roll little date and oat balls and keep the extra in the refrigerator. I started getting creative and adding almond butter or peanut butter to the mixes once I knew my baby was not okay to eat these foods. Graham cracker crumbs can make this recipe into little cookie balls... your baby's first dessert!  After time in the refrigerator the mixture will get dry and you will need to add water for to get the right consistency to make little balls.  If you add too much water use graham cracker crumbs or more quick cooking plain oats to soak up the excess fluid.Enjoy!Pearle Nerenberg, Dietitian.