Place the dates and dried cranberries in a bowl and cover with boiling water. Allow fruit to sit 10 minutes to soften. Strain the water from the dates and cranberries and pat them dry with a paper towel, or leave them in a colander to air dry. Transfer to a food processor

Add the remaining ingredients for the energy balls to the food processor, and turn it on. Process until a thick paste forms (note: you will need to stop the food processor several times to scrape the sides with a rubber spatula).

Transfer this mixture to a sealable container and refrigerate 15 minutes to allow mixture to chill and set up.

Form 12 to 14 balls out of the cranberry bliss mixture, then roll in shredded coconut or chopped nuts.

Store energy balls in a sealed container in your refrigerator for up to 5 days.