Pumpkin Pie Energy Bites

So if you can't tell already...Pumpkin is my jam! Everything I used to consume, come pumpkin season (as I like to call it), means sugar and carbs! NOT this year I am taking control of my holiday season sweet tooth and rockin' some healthier options! The boys and I made these Pumpkin Pie Energy Bites and they were delish! The boys and hubs inhaled them, they were supposed to last the week, and that definitely didn't happen! So family approved, hope you enjoy :)

Ingredients: 

1 cup pitted dates

warm water

1/2 cup raw pecan halves (I used pecan pieces)

1/2 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)

1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes (same some to garnish if you want! I only did on half because certain boys in the house have issues with too much coconut...crazy right?!?!) 

1 tsp. pure hazelnut extract (or maple, or almond)

1 tsp. pure maple syrup 

2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

1 pinch sea salt (I use himalayan salt) 

Directions:

1. Place your dates in a bowl and cover with warm water. Let them sit 10 minutes or so.  

2. Place pecans in a food processor/blender/magic bullet. Pulse until finely ground. 

3. Add dates, pumpkin, coconut (remember to save a little if you want to garnish!), extract, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Pulse until well mixed. 

4. Place in a medium bowl, cover, and refrigerate (covered) for 30 minutes. 

5. Roll mixture into tablespoon sized balls and roll in the reserved coconut. 

6. Store, refrigerated, in an airtight container. 

*For my 21 Day Fix people this would be 1 yellow and 1 tsp. for 2 energy bites!

Enjoy,

-D