Chewy Apricot Protein Energy Balls

250g dried apricots

200g raw cashews

90g desiccated coconut (plus extra for rolling, if desired)

50g vanilla or unflavoured protein powder (If you do not wish to use protein powder, increase the desiccated coconut to 115g total, or 90g desiccated coconut and 30g of ground oats.)

2-4 tbsp The Good Oil Extra Virgin Sunflower Oil

2 tbsp chia seeds

2 tbsp maple syrup

2 tsp freshly grated ginger

½ tsp ground turmeric

½ tsp salt

Place the apricots and cashews in a heatproof bowl and cover with hot water. Soak for 15 minutes to soften, then drain well.

Add the soaked apricots and cashews to a food processor with the coconut, protein powder, chia seeds, 2 tablespoons of The Good Oil Extra Virgin Sunflower Oil, maple syrup, ginger, turmeric and salt. Blend until the mixture comes together in a thick, sticky dough.

Check the texture:

• If the mixture feels too dry or crumbly, add another tablespoon of oil, up to 4 tablespoons total, or add a small splash of water.
• If it ends up too wet, add a little more coconut to balance it out.

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll into smooth balls. Roll in extra coconut if you like.

Refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze for longer.