Tasty, indulgent and satisfying but made with nutrient rich ingredients. These could not be easier to make or more delicious.

Cacao and Almond Bliss Balls

Makes 12

Ingredients:

100g ground almonds
200g Medjool dates or standard dates soaked in hot water for 1hr
2 tablespoons raw cacao powder
1 ¼ tablespoons almond butter
1 tablespoons melted coconut oil
A pinch of sea salt
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Coating of your choice: desiccated coconut, hulled hempseeds, cocoa nibs, matcha green tea powder, maca powder, berry or fruit powders

Method:

Begin by placing the ground almonds in the food processor. Add the dates and coconut oil, salt and vanilla, pulse until smooth.

Add the almond butter and cacao and then mix again until a dough forms.

Take a tablespoon of the mixture and press into a ball. Roll in chosen coating. Continue doing this until all the mixture is finished.

Place the rolled balls into the freezer for around 1 hour to firm up, they are then ready to eat or store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.

Nutritional Benefits

Dates – Despite their high carbohydrate content coming from the natural sugars, contain vitamins, minerals, a significant amount of fibre and are high in antioxidants.

Almonds – High in healthy monounsaturated fats, antioxidants, calcium, magnesium, vitamin E, protein, and fibre. Protein and fats will slow the absorption of the carbs in the dates reducing blood sugar fluctuations.

Coconut oil – A good source of manganese, copper, iron and selenium. Much of the fat in coconut is in the form of medium-chain triglycerides (MTC’s). Your body metabolizes MCT’s differently to other types of fats, rapidly using them to fuel the brain.

Cacao – Rich in polyphenols which have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect. Choose raw cocoa or chocolate over 70% cocoa to maximize health benefits.

Recipe provided by Claire Cohen, Nat-Nut Nutritional Therapy, for a Food for Mood nutrition talk.