Great for when you are after a quick energy hit – like a chocolate rum ball, only healthier.
Cacao is the raw unprocessed form of cocoa. It is a great unrefined source of antioxidants and essential vitamins and minerals.
Buckwheat (buckinis) is a seed related to rhubarb – and despite what the name suggests, it is actually not a wheat product so is gluten free. It is also low GI and has a good whack of soluble fibre which promotes good bowel health and can assist in lowering cholesterol levels and stabilising blood sugar levels.
Dates provide a natural sweetness to the recipe, and are also high in fibre.
This recipe is courtesy of the Secret Squirrel, and has been a hit with both family and friends!
Note: if you use dried pitted dates (which are less expensive than medjool) you will need to add more moisture to the recipe. I found the addition of extra water (or soaking the dates beforehand in boiling water until soft) helps the mixture stick together better when you are rolling them.
Ingredients:
Makes 20 balls.
1 cup medjool dates
1 cup desiccated coconut
¼ cup raw cacao powder
½ tsp vanilla bean paste
½ tbsp water
⅔ cup buckinis
Directions:
1. Lightly toast desiccated coconut in a pan on low heat until lightly toasted and aromatic.
2. Add all ingredients except for buckinis to a food processor and pulse until sticky when pressed between the fingers.
3. Add buckinis and pulse a few times until mixed through. Be careful not to over pulse.
4. Grab a tablespoon of mixture and roll into balls.
5. Finally, roll the balls into desiccated coconut and place in an airtight container in the fridge.
6. These will keep for around 2 weeks in the fridge.
http://www.secretsquirrelfood.com/cacao-coconut-rough-balls/
Image courtesy of Snacking Squirrel