Tutti fruit energy bites, ACD-friendly

"We'll break you out of a bad mood faster than you can say, woof."

 Do you have a cat or dog? Stroking kitty's fur or pooch's coat can boost levels of oxytocin, the cuddle hormone, as well as levels of the feel-good brain chemical, serotonin. It also can lower blood pressure by 10 percent. It's good for your pet's blood pressure too! If you don't have a dog or cat, borrow the neighbor's pet for some quality time.

Strawberry and blackberry tutti fruiti energy bite

Once you've had you quality pet time, how about a tasty treat? Tutti fruiti energy bites (ACD-Stage 1) are easy to make, fun and satisfying when you want something sweet. No kidding, the energy bites are filling. One or two satisfies a craving.

Here's what you need for 6-8 energy bites:

3/4 cup berries of your choice (blueberries, blackberries, raspberries or strawberries)
3 T. coconut flour
1/4 cup coconut milk
1 T. melted coconut oil
sweetener of your choice, to taste
Optional add-in for the blackberry or raspberry bites: 1 T. freeze-dried berry powder
Optional topping: finely chopped coconut flakes, coconut butter

Blueberry tutti fruiti energy bites with coconut butter topping

Here's what you do:

Soften the berries to release their juices by heating them in a small saucepan on the stove. Once the berries are softened, add the coconut oil to liquefy. Stir in the coconut flour, coconut milk and sweetener of choice. Stir in freeze-dried berry powder if using. Remove the dough from heat. Note: the mixture should have the thickness of cookie dough. If needed, add more coconut milk for thinning or more coconut flour for thickening.

Roll the dough into bite-size balls. If desired, roll the balls in coconut flakes. Place the balls in the fridge to allow them to firm up. Extras may be stored in the freezer.

The blackberry tutti fruiti energy bites win my vote but that's because I revved up their flavor by adding 1 T. of freeze-dried blackberry powder. Actually, I loved all three flavors. Next time, I'll try raspberries.

"Don't forget to save some energy bites for us."

Recipe contributed to:



http://dietdessertndogs.com/2013/04/18/wellness-weekend-april-18-22-2013/
and
http://allergyfreecookery.blogspot.com/2013/04/allergy-friendly-lunchbox-love-41913.html