Tasty Snack Balls

In class this morning we were talking about the Truffle Recipe I sent out a while back.  So yummy and healthy!!

I also found this on one of my favorite blogs, Marks Daily Apple, which is similar but with a little different ideas or varieties.

Try them out and let me know which ones you like!

Each one of these little balls packs in loads of protein and fats. Unlike store bought energy bars, the ingredient list is short and simple, and can be modified to your own taste. Use more ground coffee or none at all. Try dark chocolate chips instead of cocoa powder. Cut back on one type of nut and add more of another. Use more shredded coconut, or less. Part of the fun is coming up with your own perfect blend.

As a general guideline for your first batch, using a 1/2 cup of each nut will yield more than a dozen little balls. Dates add the sweetness but also help hold the balls together so if you can’t get the paste to hold its shape, try adding a few more. Coconut oil also helps with this. If you don’t have the patience to roll a dozen or more little balls, simply spread the paste out evenly in a baking pan and sprinkle with coconut. Whether you eat them as balls or bars, Colting’s Cocoa and Coconut Snacks are a good solution to afternoon hunger pangs. They can even satisfy a craving for dessert – Jonas sometimes enjoys them with an espresso, which sounds quite civilized and delicious.


Ingredients:

We’ve included measurements to get you started, but as mentioned above, these ingredients can be used in any amounts.
1/2 cup each:

• Almonds
• Walnuts
• Pecan nuts
• Hazel nuts
• Pumpkin seeds
• 3-6 dates
• 2-4 tablespoons virgin coconut oil

To taste:

• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Freshly ground coffee
• Shredded coconut

Instructions:
Run the nuts and pumpkin seeds in a food processor until ground into a fine flour.

Remove the nut flour and grind the dates and shredded coconut in the food processor until smooth.

Mix these ingredients together with coffee and cocoa powder according to taste.

Finally, add the coconut oil and mix it all together by hand. Roll the paste into small nibbly balls and sprinkle them in shredded coconut.

These snacks should be refrigerated to become firm. ENJOY!!