Bliss Balls
Ingredients:
1 part dates rolled in coconut (can find in the bulk bins at New Leaf. Or use a food processor to mix dates then add in coconut flakes)
1/2 part crushed raw cashews
5-6 pieces of crushed almonds (optional)
Cardamom (to taste)
Cinnamon (to taste)
Nutmeg (to taste)
Coconut Oil
Directions:
Mash and mix with hands date coconut rolls (or food processed dates with coconut flakes) with crushed raw cashews and almonds. Add cardamom, cinnamon, & nutmeg to taste (1/2 tsp approx) & coconut oil (2 tbsp approx) to slightly feel moist. Once mixed roll into balls and place on tray to enjoy!
Provisions
100g whole toasted almonds (about 1 very full cup)
150g plump medjool dates, pitted (about 12 dates)
1/4 cup currants
2 tbsp sesame seeds
1 tbsp chia seeds
2 tsp maca powder
2 tbsp raw cacao powder
1 tsp cinnamon
Pinch sea salt
2 heaped tbsp nut butter (I use ABC - Almond, Brazil, Cashew)
1 tbsp coconut oil
3 tbsp water
1/4 cup shredded unsweetened coconut + additional 1/2 cup set aside for dusting
Method
In a large frying pan, gently dry toast the almonds over medium-low heat, tossing regularly, about 5 minutes or until fragrant and popping but not browned. Set aside to cool a moment then pour into the bowl of a food processor.
Add all remaining ingredients except for the 1/2 cup additional coconut and water to the blender. Process until the nuts are dates are finely ground and the mixture starts to form a ball. If the mixture isn't sticky, pulse in the water 1 tbsp at a time until it's sticky enough to mold into balls.
Remove the blade from the food processor and place the extra 1/2 cup coconut in a small bowl. Use your palms to roll the mixture into small ping pong-sized balls, about 1” rounds. Wet your hands slightly if it helps.
Roll each ball in coconut to coat.
Store in an air-tight container in the fridge up to two weeks.
Notes
This recipe is very versatile and will accommodate any dried fruit or nut mixture that you prefer. Try prunes, dried figs and apricots with the dates for a different twist, or cashews, walnuts and pine nuts instead of almonds.
Dates vary widely in size and juiciness. You may find that depending on the softness of your dates, the entire mixture is moister or yields more. If the mix is too moist before adding the water, add more nuts or nut butter and omit the water. If it's too dry and won't cling together, add the water, pulse, and add more dates or nut butter to bind.
