Disclosure: I received free products from Divine Chocolate, a sponsor of Choctoberfest 2015, to use in developing recipes for this week. All opinions remain my own.
Choctoberfest 2015 with Imperial Sugar continues!
While my site has been mostly silent during Choctoberfest 2015 with Imperial Sugar (and I’m really sad about that, honestly), there have been a TON of chocolate-themed recipes shared by my colleagues that you should really check out. Just search for the #Choctoberfest hashtag on social media, or look here on Pinterest, to find them. So many delectable desserts, so many ways to indulge in a chocolate craving, many of them featuring ingredients provided by our wonderful sponsors!
Today, I’m sharing Chocolate Pecan Pie Energy Bites, featuring cocoa powder from Divine Chocolate. Divine Chocolate is a really cool company that is co-owned by the 85,000 farmer members of Kuapa Kokoo, the cooperative in Ghana that supplies the cocoa for Divine. By buying from Divine Chocolate, you’re ensuring better lives for the farmers that grow those precious cocoa beans, and that’s an awesome way of making the most of the dollars you spend. Divine is also committed to using Fairtrade certified ingredients in their products whenever possible, so it goes even wider than the cocoa beans. There’s a heart in their logo for a reason.
As you may already know, it hasn’t been a stellar week for me. I’ve learned in the past that if I adjust what I’m eating, focusing more on whole foods that aren’t full of processed junk, it really does help my mental and physical state (even if it’s not my natural inclination). Times like these call for energy bites, consisting of simple ingredients like dates, nuts, and small doses of natural sweeteners or flavorings to keep things interesting. I’ve shared Coconut Nut Balls before, which are on the same wavelength. You can change out the types of nuts or add-ins to suit your tastes and pantry, which is one of the things I love so much about these–they’re so versatile. But today? I needed cocoa. A deep, rich, cocoa bite that felt warm and safe. They remind me of chocolate pecan pie; of family gathering around a communal table to share in the bounty of the past year; of love and strength; of the the things I’m searching for deep inside right now. Chocolate Pecan Pie Energy Bites are exactly what’s called for at this moment. I hope you enjoy them, too!
Don’t forget to enter the BIG Choctoberfest 2015 GIVEAWAY!!! There are over $350 worth of prizes up for grabs–you want in on that action!!!!
In a food processor fitted with the chopping blade, pulse the pecan halves until finely ground, but not yet a paste.
Add the remaining ingredients and pulse until they start coming together loosely.
Using a #60 cookie scoop, scoop out portions of the mixture into your hand and roll tightly into balls.
Refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up before enjoying.
Well these are sure to perk anybody up!!
Those energy bites look delicious, and I love that they only take 5 different ingredients to make! 😀 My Divine Chocolate package never came, but I’m hoping it’s just taking the scenic route and will show up soon! *-* I’d love to make this!
Oh, no! That’s so sad! Even if your package never arrives, it’s worth picking up some chocolate to make these. Power never tasted so good!