Here is a snack with staying power - protein-and-fiber-rich, just the right amount of sweetness, perfect for stashing in a lunchbox or in a bag for on the go noshing.

I’ve given 3 flavor variations:

• Chocolate Raspberry

• Chunky Monkey

• Pina Colada

Each flavor begins with the same 3 basic ingredients: cashews, rolled oats, and medjool dates. Don’t skip soaking the cashews; it helps make sure the power balls stay moist and hold together.

Chocolate Raspberry Power Balls

Ingredients:

• 2 cups unsalted, roasted cashews

• 1 cup medjool dates (roughly 11 or 12)

• 1/4 cup rolled oats

• 1 cup freeze dried raspberries

• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional, but very delicious)

• 1-4 tablespoons milk (optional, if mixture is dry. Any milk will work)

Method:

1. Soak nuts in water for at least 30 minutes. This helps to add moisture and hold the mixture together.

2. Drain nuts and add to the bowl of a food processor. Add remaining ingredients, except for milk.

3. Pulse until well combined and the mixture holds together when you squeeze it in your hand. If the mixture is dry, add milk, 1 tablespoon at a time until everything comes together.

4. Using a 1.5 tablespoon scoop, measure into small balls. Alternatively, press the mixture into a square pan and cut into squares. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Pina Colada Power Balls

Ingredients:

• 2 cups unsalted, roasted cashews

• 1 cup medjool dates (roughly 11 or 12)

• 1/4 cup rolled oats

• 1 cup freeze dried pineapple

• 1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes

• 1-4 tablespoons milk (optional, if mixture is dry. Any milk will work)

Method:

1. Soak nuts in water for at least 30 minutes. This helps to add moisture and hold the mixture together.

2. Drain nuts and add to the bowl of a food processor. Add remaining ingredients, except for milk.

3. Pulse until well combined and the mixture holds together when you squeeze it in your hand. If the mixture is dry, add milk, 1 tablespoon at a time until everything comes together.

4. Using a 1.5 tablespoon scoop, measure into small balls. Alternatively, press the mixture into a square pan and cut into squares. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Chunky Monkey Power Balls

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted, roasted cashews

• 1 cup walnut halves

• 1 cup medjool dates (roughly 11 or 12)

• 1/4 cup rolled oats

• 1 cup banana chips

• 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips

• 1-4 tablespoons milk (optional, if mixture is dry. Any milk will work)

Method:

1. Soak nuts in water for at least 30 minutes. This helps to add moisture and hold the mixture together.

2. Add banana chips to the bowl of a food processor and process until it’s a coarse powder.

3. Drain nuts and add to the bowl of a food processor. Add remaining ingredients, except for milk.

4. Pulse until well combined and the mixture holds together when you squeeze it in your hand. If the mixture is dry, add milk, 1 tablespoon at a time until everything comes together.

5. Using a 1.5 tablespoon scoop, measure into small balls. Alternatively, press the mixture into a square pan and cut into squares. Refrigerate until ready to serve.