Pumpkin Energy Bites

It is time to celebrate the pumpkin season once again. While I do not relish the onslaught of winter, the fall harvest is a treat to be savored. This year, I bought a larger pumpkin, in addition to two smaller ones, roasted them up, and what I didn't use right away, I froze in 1 cup bags for future use to keep me going year round, because pumpkin is just not about 2 months of the year.

Pumpkin pie is coming soon, but energy bites keep me going throughout the day and they make for a fine quick breakfast. Yes, these do contain some chocolate, but it is fine quality dark chocolate and who says chocolate can't be enjoyed in moderation for breakfast? Certainly not me. Besides, with all of the other good nut, seed and dried fruit stuff in these little bites, you would have to be a strict purist without any real gain if you eschewed these delights. Just saying…

Pumpkin Energy Bites

Recipe by Lisa Turner Published on October 25, 2014 Quick and easy healthy pumpkin energy treats with dark chocolate, nuts, seeds, dried fruit and pumpkin spices Print this recipe Ingredients: 1 cup rolled or steel-cut oats 1/2 cup raw almonds 1/2 cup raw cashews 2/3 cup dried dates, pitted and roughly chopped 1/3 cup dried cherries 1/3 cup pumpkin purée 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted 1 tablespoon chia seeds 1 tablespoon hemp seeds 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg or mace 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice 1/4 teaspoon sea salt 1/2 cup lightly toasted pumpkin seeds or pepitas 1/3 cup dark chocolate, cut into small chunks Instructions: In a food processor, grind the oats, almond and cashews into a fine meal. Add the dates, dried cherries, pumpkin purée, maple syrup or honey, coconut oil, chia seeds, hemp seeds, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice and sea salt. Pulse until well combined. Add the pumpkin seeds and chocolate and pulse once or twice. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Dampen clean hands and shape into small 1-inch balls. Store in the refrigerator in a covered container and enjoy when the craving hits. Makes 14 to 16 small bites

The pumpkin celebration continues:
Pumpkin and Carrot Split Lentil Soup
Roasted Tamari Seeds
Spicy Peanut Pumpkin Soup
Toor Dal Pumpkin Soup

On the top of the reading stack: Plenty More by Yotam Ottolenghi

Audio Accompaniment: morning silence (while it lasts)