Coconut & Cacao Bliss Balls

What's your go to snack when your energy starts lagging? When you can feel your eyelids getting heavier, you still have another hour or two at work yet you feel your head will hit the desk in 3...2...1....

It's moments like these that our defences are at their lowest, our ability to apply any form of discipline or restrain goes out the window and we reach for what we subconsciously believe will give us the biggest boost to our energy with any form  common sense and intelligence flying right out the window. We either reach for the sugary sweets to boost us, or a coffee that will end up keeping us awake for hours (definitely not good at 3pm and bedtime is 9pm!)

We are all fully aware of the rollercoaster ride of energy highs and slumps that will follow

The false energy that creates the manic laughter and ties the fake Superman cape around your neck. This "energy" lasts long enough to tire you out even more by draining you completely, then you find yourself in an even worse slump. The ups and downs are truly exhausting! 

Before you get your school ma'am scowl on, yes this recipe contain dates. But my opinion on dates, for what its worth, is dates are a naturally occurring sugar rather than an added processed sugar. Plus you will also benefit from the fibre in dates. And the B6, iron, polyphenols (antioxidants that protect the body against inflammation) Plus they are deemed low GI so you don't get the increase in blood sugar - even a diabetic is able to eat 2-3 dates a day if they are maintaining a healthy diet. Each ball in this recipe averages just over half a date each. So it's not as though you are eating the entire recipe in one hit. A little perspective! 

One thing I do to reduce the amount of dates I need in a recipe is to soak the dates in warm water first to soften them, as they can sometimes be a little dry. Soaking them makes them juicier, and therefore you end up using less. You'll know what I mean if you have ever bought dried dates rather than Medjool dates. 

If you don't like dates, substitute prunes. Lower in sugar, still high in fibre and iron

I have to say, the jury is out in the Freya's Nourishment camp on the name Bliss Balls. I mean yes, they are totally blissful! But the name is just a bit...I can't even put my finger on it. What else do you call them though? Energy balls? Meh. At home we just call them balls, but we know how good they are! What would you think if I posted a recipe and called it Balls? Not exactly enticing is it? It might give you a giggle though! 

So we will stick with Bliss Balls for now. Until inspiration strikes!

These delicious morsels were created for my contribution to Wellness Wednesday with The 3pm Box a few weeks back and are just too good not to share with you all. Bliss Balls have been a constant in my fridge for about 5 years now. Never have gone longer than a day or two between batches. Why? Well they are a quick and easy snack plus the perfect travel food. I have travelled to Europe, Tasmania, Queensland, America and Sydney with a bag of these Bliss Balls tucked into my hand luggage. Okay so by the time I get to my destination they may be a little squished but who cares when they taste this fabulous. 

Perfect for the 3am jetlagged "I'm-awake-but-the-rest-of-the-world-is-still-asleep" panic

as well as the 3pm "oh-dear-lord-is-it-home-time-yet" slump. I have more or less been using the same bliss ball recipe for years, slowly perfected over time and once we found that perfect balance wedidn't want it changed. Until this recipe came along. Out the window goes the old recipe (I will still always love it and return to it one day) but the new Coconut & Cacao Bliss Balls is even easier, quicker and tastier.  

To keep these raw, I didn’t toast the coconut but chose to add in some buckwheat groats to add some crunch, but if you don’t have or want to buy buckwheat groats (although I use them all the time in recipes!) then feel free to toast the coconut. I mean who says it has to be entirely raw right?  

Ok, I'm off to make another batch....

Recipe makes 22 balls and are perfect for when the afternoon slump hits

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup almond meal
• 1 cup dates (approx. 14 soak in warm water first to soften)
• ¼ cup desiccated coconut
• ¼ cup cacao
• ¼ cup buckwheat groats (buckinis) or chopped nuts
• Generous pinch salt

Method:

• Add all ingredients except buckinis to the food processor and blend, adding dates one at a time.
• Test to check if the mix has enough dates by pressing some of the mix together and check that it holds
• Add the buckinins and pulse to mix through. This keeps some texture and crunch in the mix, so your mouth doesn't get bored! 
• Roll into balls and leave in a container in the fridge. These can also be frozen

Enjoy!