I’ve been in a serious cranberry mood recently. Fresh cranberries, dried cranberries, I’m all over it. Something about that tartness and sweetness together. Mmm. Bring on the cranberries. And I will be bringing you the cranberries, too. After today’s recipe, I’ve got two more coming your way this month (and possibly a third; I’m still perfecting it!) Cranberry craziness here! Today’s cranberry chocolate walnut energy balls are packed with nutritious goodies and offer a serious snack solution. Long days of shopping? Road trip a yawn? Pop one of these babies in your mouth and you’ll be set to go. They are dense and oh so filling. They satisfy a sweet tooth, too, which is always a bonus in my book. Plus, it’s just 5 ingredients: walnuts, dates, dried cranberries, cocoa powder and peanut butter (you can sub almond butter if you’d prefer). But I highly recommend adding the optional 6th ingredient: mini chocolate chips. Stir these into the batter before you roll up your balls and you will be ready to face the world. They add just an extra punch of sweetness and a doubling down on the chocolate. Also always a bonus in my book! I hope your holidays are nothing but merry and bright. But if you’re dragging ass by the middle of the month, these are your go-to pick-me-ups. And they’re also great for bake sales, cookie exchanges, teacher or neighbor gifts… you name it. Everyone will love them! Enjoy! XO, Kathryn
