These healthy balls are quick and easy to make and really delicious as an afternoon or after dinner treat.

MAKES 35 – 40 (approx. 2cm diameter) or 60 smaller balls

PREP TIME 15 minutes

ROLLING TIME 25 – 30 minutes

INGREDIENTS

½ cup almonds, walnuts or macadamia nuts
8 dried apricots, roughly chopped
10 pitted dates, roughly chopped
¾ cup shredded coconut
½ cup tahini or almond spread
1 – 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey (optional, to taste)
½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)
Dash of sea salt (optional)
1 tsp turmeric powder (to taste.)

OPTIONAL INGREDIENTS FOR COATING THE BALLS

Desiccated coconut (or finely ground shredded coconut)
½ tsp turmeric powder (to mix with the coconut for colour)
Chia seeds
Ground nuts or ground seeds.

TIP Soaking the dates helps to soften them and blend easier. Rolling the balls can be a fun project for your kids to help with.

NOTE If you are nut sensitive you can use ¼ cup ground sesame seeds or an extra ½ cup shredded coconut in place of the nuts.

METHOD

1. In a food processor, place the nuts, chopped apricots and chopped dates and process stopping and starting a few times until they are coarsely chopped.

2. Then add the rest of the ingredients and process stopping and starting a few times until the mixture is combine well. Pick up a little of the mixture and try rolling it into a ball. If it is too crumbly you may need to add a little more tahini, almond spread or a little water and process again.

3. Then taste the mixture and add a little more maple syrup, if desired and mix again.

4. Roll the mixture into balls and then dip them in dedicated coconut mixed with turmeric, if you like. You can eat them right away or chill for 30 minutes and serve.

5. You can also line a baking tin or baking dish with baking paper then press the mixture into the pan about 10cm thick/high. Then sprinkle with desiccated coconut and press down gently to help the coconut adhere. Chill and cut into pieces. It’s a little easier than rolling, if you are pressed for time and makes yummy bliss squares.

6. You can refrigerate the balls for up to 1 week and freeze well covered for up to 1 month.

These healthy balls are quick and easy to make and really yummy. If you have children let them get in on the fun of rolling the balls too. For a chocolaty twist you could add small chocolate chips to the ball mix.

Sending joy xx

Chef Kate

You may love Chef Kate’s cookbook, The Flavour of Joy. Containing stories to inspire, amuse and uplift as well as delicious, healthy recipes you’ll love.

Kate uses local organic and sustainable ingredients in her tasty and nutritious recipes, also including superfoods and medicinal herbs in her dishes to create healthy and nourishing food for the body, mind, and spirit.