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/
