Food – Bringing us Together

As March draws to a close and Nutrition Month 2020 ends, I thought it fitting to reflect on this year’s nutrition month theme – MORE THAN FOOD. This theme was meant to get us thinking not only about the food we eat but about how and why we eat.  Food is often what brings us together.  As we now spend more time at home with our family, more than ever we are planning, preparing and eating together.  And if you are not able to physically be with those who are closest to you, you may be doing it all virtually.

As you go about your day in the kitchen, I hope you remember all the great teaching moments you can have with your children.   Most of all, I hope you enjoy spending time with your children, sharing old memories and creating new ones.  Attached is a picture of my son, Dylan, who made these easy no-bake energy balls that are not only nutritious but incredibly delicious.  On the other side of the kitchen, my daughter, Emma, and I were busy making chocolate chip cookies.  All things in moderation, I say.  All things in moderation.

Energy Balls

Ingredients

1 cup raw whole almonds

1 cup peanuts

1 cup pitted dates

1 cup raisins

2 Tbsp Pure maple syrup

1 Tsp ground cinnamon

Directions

1. In a food processor or blender, pulse together almonds and peanuts until they are finely ground.
2. Add dates, raisins, maple syrup and cinnamon; pulse until thick sticky dough forms.
3. Using a tbsp roll mixture into balls and place on parchment paper lined baking sheet.
4. Place in the refrigerator for about 1 hour or until they are chilled.

These energy balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for up to 1 month.

This recipe has been used with permission from Dietitians of Canada.  Get easy to understand information on food, healthy eating and disease prevention along with award-winning recipes at www.unlockfood.ca.