Chocolate Dipped Cranberry Apricot Energy Balls

The idea for these has been floating around in my head for weeks … I wanted to make a little ball of goodness that would be great for quick energy on the go, something with protein and fruit and a few carbs so it would give my body lots of the things it needs before or after a good workout.

And then of course I had to dip it in chocolate … for all those good antioxidants, right?  … it makes me think of a little thing my friend SueAnn Gleason of Chocolate for Breakfast says, “Dip it in chocolate … it’ll be fine.”

Oh yes, these are fine. I think I’m addicted …

Chocolate Dipped Cranberry Apricot Energy Balls

• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup walnuts, chopped roughly
• 1 cup dried apricots, chopped into small bits
• 1 cup finely ground graham cracker crumbs
• 2 Tablespoons peanut butter
• 1/4 cup coffee liqueur (Kahlua)
• 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
• 5 to 6 ounces light cream cheese (I think fat-free cream cheese would work too, if you want to decrease the fat content)
• A good quality dark chocolate bar or dark chocolate chips, for dipping

Directions:

1. Mix all the ingredients except the chocolate until everything is well mixed. They might fight you a little, but eventually the mixture will become a sort of thick paste that you can form into balls.
2. Form balls and place them on a cookie sheet or platter. Refrigerate for a couple hours or until firm.
3. Melt the chocolate in the microwave or double boiler. Dip the balls in chocolate and place them on waxed paper. Let them sit until the chocolate sets up. Store in an airtight container in the fridge. If they last that long …

This recipe was shared on Full Plate Thursdays, Foodie Fridays, Katherine Martinelli’s DIY blog hop, and Everyday Mom’s Meals.