Walnut-Blueberry Oatmeal Energy Bites

Ingredients:

1/2 cup dried blueberries

1 cup whole-wheat flour

1 cup uncooked oatmeal, regular or quick-cooking

1 Tbsp baking soda

1/3 cup sugar

1 cup chopped walnuts, lightly toasted

1/8 tsp ground cardamom

1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

2 Tbsp boiling water

1 tsp ground cinnamon

2 Tbsp butter

1/4 tsp salt

3 Tbsp olive oil

Method:

Preheat the oven to 350°F and cover cookie sheets with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the walnuts, flour, oatmeal, coconut, maple sugar, cinnamon, cardamom and salt.

Stir with a fork or whisk until completely mixed. Add the blueberries and stir to combine.

Combine the maple syrup, olive oil and butter in a small saucepan.

Place over medium heat and stir until the butter melts. In a small bowl, add the baking soda to the boiling water and stir to dissolve.

Add to the syrup mixture and stir to blend; it will become very bubbly. Pour into the dry ingredients and stir vigorously to combine.

Using a tablespoon and your hands, scoop up pieces of dough and press them into walnut-sized balls.

Place about 2 inches apart on the prepared cookie sheets. With your fingers or the palm of your hand, flatten each ball slightly into a puck shape.

Bake 10 – 12 minutes, until the cookies have spread slightly and are golden brown around the edges.

Cool 5 minutes on the pan, then transfer the cookies to a rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container.