ROLLED OAT & CACAO BLISS BALLS

I often fail miserably to have just one of these bliss balls a day, however I try never to go over two a day. Thess balls were inspired from a delicious batch a lovely client gave me to sample a few weeks ago. If you do not have a food processor handy, not to worry. Instead you can just mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl; your bliss balls will take on a chunkier texture that is equally as nice as a smooth consistency. I often find myself doubling the recipe so I have lots of these treats in the fridge! You could use puffed rice or puffed quinoa instead of oats. 

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats (or gluten-free rolled oats if celiac)
• 2-3 heaped tablespoons raw cacao (depends on how chocolatey you want it!)
• 1/4 cup organic maple syrup or honey 
• 2 heaped tablespoons natural peanut butter (contains only peanuts)
• 1 heaped tablespoon hulled tahini (or substitute for another tablespoon of peanut butter)
• pinch of sea salt
• 1-2 tablespoons coconut oil (in liquid form)
• 1/4 cup water 
• Optional- 2 heaped tablespoons of protein powder (I use rice or pea protein powder) 
• Desiccated coconut - to roll balls in 

Method

1. Process all the ingredients in a food processor until well combined. If the mixture is too dry, add additional water; 1 tablespoon at a time to the processor and stir. (Without a food processor: stir all the ingredients in a large bowl until well combined. Add more water if needed). 

2. Pour a layer of desiccated coconut on a serving plate. With wet hands roll each ball then roll in the coconut. Place in an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to eat. 

Makes / 12-13 medium balls 

x Emily 

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