Easy Choc-Nut Balls
When I think about my favourite treats, very few can compete with chocolate. The gooier the more indulgent the better. These cacao-nut balls are super simple to make, and oh so indulgent! The good news for the health conscious is that cacao - the raw, un-roasted version of cocoa - is high in antioxidants and magnesium, a mood-booster, a fatigue fighter and may improve skin and digestion. Nut butters provide protein and good fats as long as they are unadulterated with “vegetable” oils and nasty additives. Although it is not considered paleo, I am a big fan of peanut butter, but if you are allergic or avoiding peanuts, fear not, almond butter or any other nut butter of your choice would do the job perfectly well. If you are in a hurry, you can grab one or two for breakfast with your coffee… a good way to start the day.
Makes about 18 small balls
Ingredients
1 cup of pure peanut, almond or other nut butter (I used Mayvers high protein with flaxseeds and sea-salt)
1/2 cup organic cacao powder
1/3 cup pure maple syrup
1/8 teaspoon salt (if your nut butter is not salted)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3-5 teaspoons coconut flour - only if needed! I did not use any
Method
The original recipe does not mention a food processor but I find it does a fantastic job. Yes, it does mean a little more washing up…Please wash your hands and remove any rings.
put all ingredients except the coconut flour in the food processor.
blend until it looks like crumbly dough. If your dough is a bit oily or wet, add 3 teaspoons of coconut flour and blend quickly until incorporated. See if you need a little more coconut flour.
put the ingredients into a bowl - much easier than trying to scoop the dough out of the processor…
take 1 heaped tablespoon of the crumbs, squeeze firmly in your hands until it sticks together, then roll into a ball. Repeat until you have used up all the dough.
place in an air tight container in the fridge. You can freeze, but I have a feeling that they will not last long enough to be frozen!
I would love your comments - let me know if you like these little bombs of delight.
This recipe is courtesy of Texanerin. I have made one or two modifications.