Top Seeds: The benefits of hemp, flax and chia

RECIPE: Arvinda’s Orange-Almond Chai Running Balls

Preena Chauhan is a Toronto-based Indian food expert, instructor and entrepreneur who runs popular Indian cooking classes with her mother through their cooking school, Arvinda’s Indian Cooking Classes. She is an avid trail runner and has been running half-marathons since 2003. These little balls pack a powerful combo of protein, fibre and carbohydrates. They’re perfect as a long run treat or post-workout recovery snack. Double the batch and freeze for future use.

Ingredients:

1 cup organic almond butter

½ cup raw honey

½ cup almonds, finely chopped

½ cup hemp seeds

¼ cup chocolate protein powder (whey or plant-based)

¼ cup flax seeds

¼ cup dates or prunes, finely chopped

¼ cup dried cranberries or raisins

¼ cup dry unsweetened coconut and extra ½ cup for dusting

1 tbsp cocoa powder

1 tbsp ginger powder

½ tsp ground cinnamon*

½ tsp ground cloves*

½ tsp ground or crushed cardamom seeds*

¼ tsp ground nutmeg*

zest of an orange

NOTE: For a more authentic Chai flavour, substitute ingredients marked with a ^* with 2 tsp. Arvinda’s Chai Masala from:

www.IndianCookingClasses.ca

Preparation:

In a medium-sized bowl, add almond butter and mix well. If consistency is stiff, warm up slightly in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Add remaining ingredients and mix well. Chill in refrigerator for 15-20 minutes.

Roll into balls slightly smaller than walnuts.

Place remaining coconut in a small bowl. Dust with coconut to garnish. Store in refrigerator. Yield = 40 pieces

Nutritional information for four balls

Calories 150

Carbohydrate 14 g

Protein 9 g

Fibre 4 g

Fat 9 g