Iggy's Apple Pie Energy Bites

So I'm in Tampa, Florida, staying with coaching clients (who are more like friends at this point), and apparently their son Ian ("Iggy") loves my recipes and wanted to cook with me. So, after dying from the cuteness levels in their house (you don't even want to see their dogs), I came back to life and we decided to make some energy cookies!!

We all agreed these were delish, super easy to make, and much more fun with the crunchy apple coating. Incidentally, that's my daughter (Alethea, Vegan Kid Chef) on the right, and Iggy's younger sister, Olivia, putting nutmeg into the mix. And of course, Iggy. Some of the sweetest, coolest kiddos I know - and all of them love being vegan! : )

Iggy said (upon deciding these were good to go), "They taste just like apple pie filling!" Even Olivia who said "I hate nuts and dates!" can be seen with two thumbs up, and a mouth full of these . . . 

If you know my cookbooks and recipes fairly well, you'll know I'm obsessed with these kinds of "energy cookies!" They're PERFECT for travel, and anytime you're on-the-go. They've saved me many times! You can find more energy cookie recipes in my cookbooks and here's one on my blog for Peanut Butter Oat Energy Cookies. 

OK, so now for the recipe!

Iggy's Apple Pie Energy Bites

1  1/2 cups dried apples - we used the crispy crunchy kind (not the chewy kind), by Bare brand
1 cup walnut pieces
3/4 cup packed pitted dates
1/2 cup rolled oats (use gluten-free oats or quinoa flakes if you're GF)
2 tablespoons maple syrup
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg

For coating: About 1/4 cup additional dried apple pieces, crushed or nicely crumbled

1. In a food processor, place all of the ingredients. Blend until very sticky, yet still with some texture remaining.

2. Pull off pieces about one tablespoon in size and roll into balls. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to a month. 

3. Before serving, roll in the apple crumbles. You can do that part beforehand, but the dried apple coating will probably get soggy if it's done too far in advance. Enjoy! : )

Makes about 12-18 energy bites; GF/SF/Green (according to the health guidelines in my cookbooks and coaching programs)