Mandarin & Cashew Energy Bites

Ingredients 
5 mandarins (chilled)
200g raw cashew nuts
200g dates
200g dried apricots
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
¼ cup maple syrup
⅓ cup melted coconut oil
A pinch of salt
100g coconut threads, plus a little extra for coating (optional)

Method

Prepare the mandarins by juicing four and set the juice aside. Peel the remaining mandarin in large sections (chilled fruit makes the zest easier to handle)

Using a small sharp knife, carefully remove as much white pith as possible from the inside of the peel, leaving just the zest. Finely chop the zest, then juice the last peeled mandarin and add it to the rest of the juice

Line a 20cm square tin with baking paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal. Set aside

Add all the ingredients to a food processor, including the mandarin juice and zest. Blitz for 1–2 minutes, or until the mixture is thick and relatively smooth, with a sticky texture

Press the mixture into the tin, using the back of a spoon or spatula to spread it evenly and firmly into all corners

Refrigerate for a few hours, or until set. Once firm, lift out and slice into 2cm squares, and gently toss the bites in coconut thread

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze and defrost as needed