Monday, October 19, 2015

Date and Nut Bites


(This recipe was first published on the Dawn website. Click here for the original article.)

I started making these date and nut bites a few months ago when I was struggling a bit health-wise and needed healthy snacks on hand to keep my energy up.

I've been feeling much better recently but these bitesize snacks have quickly become something I can't do without. I whip up another batch as soon as I run out. They only take a few minutes to make and are full of nutrient-rich ingredients.

Last week I decided to take them up a notch by coating some of them in dark chocolate and that made them infinitely better.

When you're craving something chocolaty or sweet, reach for these instead. They're the perfect guilt-free sweet treat and they're good for you too.




Date and Nut Bites

Ingredients
1 cup dates (175g)
⅓ cup unsalted almonds (50g)
⅓ cup unsalted cashews (50g)
1 tablespoon peanut butter
1 tablespoon liquid coconut oil
2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
1 tablespoon cocoa powder (optional)
50g good-quality dark chocolate, melted (optional)

1. Add the almonds and cashews to your food processor and process until they are coarsely ground, about 15 to 20 seconds.
2. Remove the pits from the dates and add to food processor. Add peanut butter, coconut oil, flaxseed, and cocoa powder (if using).


3. Process for about 2 minutes, until all ingredients are well combined. (The mixture will look something like this.)



4. Take tablespoon-sized portions into the palm of your hand and press together to form a ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
5. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to set, then store in covered container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
6. If you are using the dark chocolate, dip half the bites in the melted chocolate, roll around to coat evenly. Use two forks to lift each one out and place on a plate lined with a sheet of wax paper.
8. Refrigerate the bites to allow the chocolate to harden. Store in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.


Makes approx. 20