Healthy Halloween: No Bake, Pumpkin Energy Bites

No Bake, Pumpkin Energy Bites
Total Time: 10 Minutes
Makes About 25 Bites

Ingredients:
8oz (1 packed cup) chopped dates
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup pumpkin puree
1 tbsp. chia seeds (flax seeds work too)
1 tsp. Ground Cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground ginger
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
pinch of salt
1 cup old-fashioned oats (dry, not cooked)
1 cup toasted coconut flakes
1 cup toasted pumpkin seeds



Directions:
Combine dates, honey, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, salt, pumpkin puree, and chia (or flax) seeds in a food processor, and pulse until smooth and combined.

Pour the mixture into a large bowl, and stir in the oats, coconut flakes, and pumpkin seeds. Mix until mixture is evenly combined. Then cover the mixture and place in refrigerator a minimum of 30 minutes.

Once the mixture is cool, and easy to work with, use a spoon or scoop to shape it into your desired size ball. Ideally a 1-inch diameter is perfect. Alternately, you can line a small baking pan with parchment paper and press the mixture evenly into the pan, let it cool, and then cut into bars.

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Storing them in the refrigerator helps the bits hold their shape.