I'm so excited to share this recipe with you all. These little power balls meet all my top criteria for the perfect snack:

- They have no junk, only real ingredients that are easy to find at most supermarkets.
- They are delicious but satisfying thanks to good amounts of protein and some healthy fats.
- They remind me of childhood treats. I was inspired to make a healthier version of a super popular treat in Sweden "Chokladbollar" (English: chocolate balls). However, those are usually made with oats, lots of sugar, chocolate and butter and if you get the store bought ones, they are most likely full of with additives and preservatives.

These are completely vegan, dairy-free and are naturally sweetened with dates and a little maple syrup.  They can also be made gluten free by choosing GF oats (oats are naturally GF but most oats are packed in facilities with gluten foods).  

Power protein chocolate balls (makes around 15)

1 cup (100 g) rolled oats
1/4 (50 g) cup protein powder (I use hemp, this brand)
1/2 cup (38 g) desiccated coconut (+ extra for rolling)
20 pitted dates
2 tbsp raw cacao powder (I use this brand)
1 tbsp almond butter or coconut oil
4-6 tbsp filtered water
1 tbsp maple syrup
1/2 tsp fine salt

Add the oats to a food processor and mix until it resembles a coarse flour. Now add the dates (make sure there are no pits), protein powder, desiccated coconut, almond butter (or coconut oil), maple syrup and salt. Mix until crumbly. Slowly add the 4 tablespoons of water while mixing. Depending on the dryness of your dates, you may need to add more water until the dough is sticky but not wet. To test whether it's ready, pick up some dough with your fingers and try to shape into a ball. It should come together easily. Roll each ball in desiccated coconut and store in the refrigerator or freezer. 

The love is real, the love for Noe Valley and our new apartment. Today, to be exact, we have spent 6 weeks in San Francisco. I'm amazed with how fast time has gone by. 

The first few weeks we dedicated to finding ourselves a new home. We viewed at least 10 apartments until we found our favorite. Located just off 24th street in Noe Valley. It's smaller than our flat in Dublin, but more than enough room for us both and with lots of sunshine. 

It's the first time that we decorate our home from the ground up. Best investment so far has to be this mattress from Casper. Catching up on some deep baby sleep lately. 

I love how changing jobs, apartments or country (or all at the same time) gives you a fresh look at your life and the routines you have established. It's the perfect opportunity to change it up a little (or a lot), eating more wholesome lunches, getting up earlier, be more tidy at home, or trying a new exercise routine.

One such change I've been looking to make is to stay productive without coffee. Yes fellow Swedes reading this, you heard me right. My mum loves it, my grandmother loves it even more. My dad calls it fox poison, but drinks it anyway. The Local explains it quite well here. The thing is, I'm not particularly fond of the highs and lows that comes with it. Or the headache that creeps up on you a day without it. 

For this reason, I've been trying to change out my daily cuppa for a matcha latte. Matcha is packed with antioxidants, detoxifies your body, rich in fiber, chlorophyll and vitamins, and provides steady long lasting energy. 

The secret to a lump free and frothy matcha latte is to mix the tea with a little water or honey until it creates a thick green paste. Once you have your paste, slowly add your warm milk and stir it up. I find that this creates the perfect creaminess and smooth matcha beverage. 

The Perfect Matcha Latte
For one person

1 tsp organic matcha tea (I use this brand)
1 tsp honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
1 cup (240 ml) plant milk (I use unsweetened almond milk)

Add the matcha tea powder and honey to your favorite tea or coffee cup. Mix together until a smooth paste forms. Depending on the thickness of your honey you may need to add a few drops of milk.

Warm up one cup of plant milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Here you can also use an electric or hand whisk to create some extra frothiness. 

Once the milk is warm enough to release some steam. Remove from the heat and pour one third of the milk into your cup. Stir until the paste dissolves. Add the rest of the milk and any extra froth. 

Devour slowly while snacking on some dark chocolate, dried coconut chips or pumpkin seeds. Enjoy!