CHIA COATED CAROB BALLS

Another ball recipe! I really go crazy for these as they stop me from running to the supermarket and grabbing lollies or other artificial sugary things. They serve as desserts, snacks and nutritious gifts.

I attended a raw cooking class a few weeks ago where carob powder was first introduced to me and it has been on my radar since then. The benefits of this powder (made from the carob plant that grows fruit known as carob pods) are extensive. These carob pods are grown in warm climates and have been consumed for over 5,000 years. Carob powder is an excellent alternative to cocoa powder, as it is caffeine free, high in calcium, rich in vitamins & minerals and can provide relief to gastro problems and coughs. It is quite strong, so just 1 or 2 teaspoons will do when making sweets such as the recipe above. Try swapping cacao powder for carob powder for a caffeine free snack once in a while. 

INGREDIENTS

• 300g dates
• 1/4 cup almonds
• 1 heaped teaspoon carob powder
• around 1/3 cup mixture of white & black chia seeds 

PREPARATION

1. Process the dates in a food processor until smooth. (You may need to add small splashes of water to the dates during the processing stage to be able to get the smooth consistency). 

2. Add the almonds and carob powder to the processor and very lightly process for a few seconds. Remove from the processor and form into 12-14 small balls. Pour the chia seeds onto a flat plate and roll each ball until all sides are covered by the seeds. Place in the refrigerator for 1 hour and then eat. 

Makes / 12 - 14 balls

Total Preparation time / 15 minutes maximum (plus 1 hour refrigeration). 

x Emily