Chocolate Chia Energy Balls (Refined Sugar Free)

Last month at the Good Food & Wine Show in Cape Town (a bunch of fun pics from the event are on my Facebook page) I got to meet some amazing food people (including George (!)) and catch up with old favourites like Jenny Morris and Siba Mtongana. It was a brilliant weekend, and I’m so excited that I’ll get to see them all again here in Joburg for the end of July show.

Anyway, among my new friends was Candice Bodington – and our lovely MC and co-demonstrator over at the Wellness Theatre where I was sharing healthy recipes and tips with the crowd. (Candice also happens to be an Instagram sensation, link below). (And if you’re wondering, I made mine and Rob’s favourite favourite Grilled Trout with Sesame & Lime Dressing and Courgette Noodles, and also my refined sugar and gluten free Millionaire’s Shortbread Tart).

While I was digging around the fridges before one of my demos that weekend, I came across a baking tray dotted with dozens of Candice’s Chocolate Chia Energy Balls, and I’d be lying if I didn’t say that I stole a good few over the next couple of days! They were YUM, and packed full of goodness. They’re similar to my favourite Power Bars that I shared a few months ago. Anyway, because I’m such a fan I asked Candice if she’d share the recipe and the story behind it with us. Here’s what she had to say…

“Being a lover of chocolate and a person who can sometimes be a tad hasty when wanting a treat, I couldn’t have found a better match than my No Bake Chocolate Chia Energy Balls.

I am all about health, so when it comes to my treats I like to know that I’m not consuming empty calories.

The first time I made this recipe, was when a good friend of mine from the UK came down to visit South Africa. Around this time we both became OBSESSED with Pinterest treats, smoothies you name it, we made it! However we played around with this recipe a lot, adding things like mint or chocolate pieces to try and satisfy our enormous sweet tooth created back in those college days.

So with the combination of missing a friend and needing something sweet, I tend to lean towards this recipe. Talk about wearing your pot on your sleeve.”

Follow Candice over on her Blog or Instagram for more healthy treats (or just general get-your-but-in-gear inspiration)