These handy little energy balls are filled with the most nutritious and wholesome ingredients that will kick start your morning or give you an energy boost during the day. I tend to make these on Sundays to keep in the fridge for the rest of the week or make a large batch to freeze.

I have mentioned previously how I love to support local growers and other East African products.  This particular recipe includes Tanga Orange essence and cacao powder by a company called The Epicurious Hedgehog from Tanzania.

Natural Extracts Industries. Ltd currently works with over 1200 smallholder farmers, from the regions of Kilimanjaro, Tanga, Mbeya, Kilombero and Morogoro, who are the backbone of this entire social enterprise. This number of farmers is only expected to grow with time, as demand for their products continues to flourish. Of these thousands of farmers, NEI appoints 35 women and men country-wide, who are the most experienced in the crop that they are growing, to be “Farmer Champions”. These individuals then become the leverage point for NEI’s interactions with all farmers as it is their responsibility to manage, train and coordinate approximately thirty to sixty other farmers in their village.

All in all, NEI is a social enterprise pioneering extraction of natural flavours in their country, all while actualizing a bridge between Tanzanian farmers and the global market. Growing vanilla in the fertile volcanic soil of the foothills of Kilimanjaro is not only a wonderful image, but it has given a new lease of life to the people of this area and many other areas like it. For more info visit: http://www.nei-ltd.com/

The epicurious hedgehog cacao powder is also fantastic , and a staple in my pantry. I was lucky to pick up some supplies this December during our family Christmas trip to Tanzania…more cacao recipes to follow!

Chocolate orange energy balls

Makes 12 small balls

100g Almonds
40g sunflower seeds
40g pumpkin seeds
40g sultanas or dates
15g chia seeds
15g golden flaxseed
15g cacao powder
4 tbsp coconut oil
2 tbsp peanut butter or nut butter of choice.
5 drops of Tanga orange!

Whizz all dry seeds in a food processor such as a Vitamix or Nutribullet. Add sultanas or dates and whizz until bread crumb consistency.
In a bowl mix dry ingredient with coco oil, Tanga orange and nut butter. Taste the mixture, you may want it more tangy, so add a little more essence!
Use your palms to press small balls. The natural oils will seep through and help to bind them.
Finally roll in sesame seeds.
Put in freezer to set for half hour and they are ready to eat!

Keep in the fridge. Eat within a week.

Enjoy!

Marina