ROSE AND PISTACHIO ENERGY BALLS

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup raw pistachios (shelled)
• 1/2 cup dried unsweetened dates (about 6-8 dates, pitted)
• 1 tablespoon dried rose petals (food-grade, see note below)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
• Pinch of sea salt
• Extra pistachios and dried rose petals for coating

METHOD

1. Place the pistachios in the Cuisinart Food Processor and pulse on Chop until coarsely chopped, leaving some larger pieces for texture.
2. Soak the dates in hot water for 10 minutes. Add the pitted dates to the food processor. Pulse on Chop again until the dates are finely chopped and the mixture starts to stick together. Scrape down the sides if necessary.
3. Add the dried rose petals, honey, cardamom and a pinch of salt to the processor. Pulse on Chop until everything is well combined. The rose petals should break down slightly but retain some texture.
4. Take spoonfuls of the mixture (about 1 tablespoon each) and roll them between your palms to form small balls. If the mixture feels too sticky, you can wet your hands slightly or dust them with a little crushed pistachios.
5. Place the energy balls on a tray lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to help them firm up. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Note: Be sure to use food-grade dried rose petals that are free from pesticides and chemicals. You can usually find them at health food stores.