Everyone likes chocolate, right? And everyone likes chocolate candy. Sadly, most of us have to limit the amount we eat not only because common candies are fattening, they contain a lot of sugar and various ‘E’ as well.
In times like this we have to look for solutions in our kitchen cabinets! Nuts contain healthy fats, protein and fiber. Dates are rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber while being a good substitute for sugar in desserts. Cocoa is anti-inflammatory, anti-allergenic, anti-carcinogenic, and full of antioxidants at the same time. Also, it gives that dark chocolate richness to these amazeballs. Try for yourself!
For a nice batch you will need:
2 cups of raw nuts (almonds and hazelnuts work best for me);
2 tablespoons of cocoa powder;
~20 pitted dates;
Extra cocoa for coating;
Soak dates in water for an hour in cold water. If you do not have time (or want something sweet QUICKLY) soak for 10 minutes in hot water. Add nuts to a food processor and process until nicely grounded. Do not make nut butter! :) Add good quality cocoa and process for several seconds until well mixed with nuts. Take dates out of water and mildly crush them with fingers, let them be slightly wet, it will help for mass to stick. Add to nuts-cocoa mass and process until you get an even mass. Make bite-size balls with your hands and roll them in a plate with extra cocoa.
Some notes:
- If after mixing all ingredients the mass does not stick together, add 1 or 2 more soaked dates.
- Dates might as well be blended with a blender. However, for nuts it might not be enough, therefore, you can use some nut meal instead.
- If you do not like dark chocolate very much, you can coat these balls in crushed nuts or shredded coconut instead!
Enjoy!