Just in time for Christmas holidays, here is my "go to" recipe for a super quick and healthy snack option that helps satisfy a sweet tooth too.
IT'S GREAT AS A HEALTHY CHRISSY TREAT AND IS A HIT WITH CHILDREN.
It's nutty, fruity, chocolate-y and coco-nutty, yummo!
We all know how good a source of protein and how good for us nuts and seeds are, that fruit is full of fibre and Cacao is a superfood. Well here's a recipe that has all bases covered.
Raw Cacao Powder is cold pressed without solvents (unlike Cocoa Powder) and as such has a much higher nutritional content. It generally has over 360% more antioxidants than regular Cocoa. That's 14 X's more potent anti-oxidants than red wine, 21 X's more than Green Tea and 7 X's more than dark chocolate.
Cacao is a great source of phytonutrients and is now considered a "Superfood". It contains aminos, protein, niacin, calcium, chromium, zinc, iron, copper, sulphur, potassium and is one of the worlds best food sources of Magnesium which is muscle relaxing and stress relieving and possibly the reason that chocolate is craved by women each month. It's a great excuse to indulge!
Cacao is generally grown in Peru or Mexico and of course you should always look for Organic and Fair Trade. That way you are assured of a quality product that is grown in a sustainable an ethical manner, that way everyone wins, the grower/harvester, the environment and the lucky people that get to eat it.
So really, do you need any more reasons to try my recipe? Give it a go and let me know what you thought by leaving a comment below and sharing your pix on social media!
Blossom Bliss Balls (makes around 18)
1 cup Raw Almonds
1/3 cup Raw Cashews
1/4 cup Sunflower seeds/ Pumpkin seeds (Pepitas)
1/2 cup Raisins
1/4 cup Dried Apricots
1 heaped Tablespoon of Raw Cacao
1/3 teaspoon dried Cinnamon powder
1-2 Tbsp Fruit Juice of choice (Apple is great)
1/4 cup desiccated Coconut
Place all the nuts, seeds and fruit into your food processor. Chop on med high for 5 seconds. Add the Cacao and cinnamon and blitz for another 5 seconds. Check the consistency, you are after a med-coarse type of mixture. Add 1-2 Tablespoons of fruit juice as needed and blitz for another few seconds. The mixture should now be sticky enough so that you can roll up into nice, fairly firm balls. If not add more juice and blitz as required. When the required consistency has been achieved take dessertspoon lots and roll, using your hands, into nice neat round balls. Now the final step is to roll each ball in the coconut. That's it, your done!
Best stored in the refrigerator and consume within 7-10 days. (Like they will last that long!)
If you would like a less sweet option then just use more nuts/seeds and less fruit, it's easy!
Take a photo of your blossom bliss balls and share it on Instagram, FB or Twitter. Be sure to tag us and tag #blossomblissballs
@blossomecoskincare (FB & Instagram) @blossomeco (twitter)
I'd love to know how you went. Please leave a comment below!
Blessings, Monique x