Kesar-Pista Love Energy Bites

These love dates are delightful in taste and the saffron (kesar) paired with pistachios are a perfect match of floral sweetness and earthy crunch. It reminds me of Indian sweet dishes, but made healthy and naturally sweetened. A quick burst of good heart energy.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups organic shelled pistachios

• 10-12 Medjool medium dates (about 5 ounces)

• 2-3 small strands of fresh saffron

• ½ cup dried unsweetened cherries or cranberries

• ½ cup gluten free rolled oats

Digestive spices: ¼ tsp cardamom or use ¼ tsp cinnamon

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, add the dates and saffron, cover it with just a little hot water for 10-12 mins, until softened. Drain the dates, reserve the saffron infused water.

2. In a food processor, place the dates and add - one cup of pistachios, the berries of choice, oats and digestive spice, I use cardamom.

3. Add one to two teaspoons of the saffron infused water until the mixture is well blended, dough like consistency.

4. Use a soup spoon to form small ball-like shape, it should make 12-15 pieces. (Tip: wet fingers in the saffron infused water to prevent the mixture from sticking).

5. Take the reserved ½ cup of pistachios and finely chop, place onto a plate with a piece of parchment paper. Roll each ball in the pistachios to coat. Refrigerate and store in an airtight glass container for 45 mins. Then take out and serve.

Enjoy a bite or two everyday with love!