The Hunt for the Nightingale Snack

Inspired by Jasper’s family’s Seedy Nut Bars, this month’s snack is a no-cook-ball that you can add all your favourite nuts and seeds to if you like.

Oat and Date Snack Balls

You will need:

• A large bowl
• A kettle or pan of boiling water
• A food processor, stick blender or potato masher
• A spoon
• A fridge

Ingredients:

• 20 dates
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 3 tablespoons cocoa powder – or if you prefer cinnamon or other spices
• 192 grams oats
• 60 grams of your favourite nuts, seeds etc.

Step	Picture
Soak the dates for 10 minutes in just boiled water
Put all the other ingredients in the food processor if you have one (or bowl if you don’t) and add 2 tablespoons of the water the dates have been soaking in. Drain the rest of the water from the dates. If you don’t have a food processor mash the dates using a fork or food processor – you want them to turn into a paste. Once mashed stir in the other ingredients. If you have a food processor whizz everything together until everything is evenly mixed. Put the mixture into the fridge for 1 hour.
Once the mix has chilled use a spoon to collect even sized pieces of mixture and roll them into balls and they are ready to eat.

If you were inspired to offer the birds a snack too the RSPB has a fantastic pine cone bird feeder activity you can try www.rspb.org.uk/fun-and-learning/for-kids/games-and-activities/activities/produce-a-pine-cone-feeder/