These easily made, energy boosters are ideal for many people with specific dietary requirements as they are gluten-free, dairy-free, refined-sugar-free and vegan. In addition, they contain a range of valuable nutrients. However, the great pleasure with these Bliss Balls is that the caramel flavour is provided naturally by beautiful Medjool dates. Unlike most caramel, there is no added sugar in this recipe. Keep some Bliss Balls handy in the fridge or freezer.
2tablespoondesiccated coconutfor rolling the bliss balls
Instructions
Wash the Medjool dates, dry them thoroughly and remove the pits. Measure out 1 cup, firmly packed.
Roughly chop the dates and add them to the bowl of a food processor together with the almond meal, ¼ cup desiccated coconut, sea salt and vanilla extract.
Blend until the ingredients are smooth. Check that the mixture is sufficiently moist to be able to roll into balls. If not, add another date or two.
Add the additional 2 tablespoons of coconut to a shallow, wide bowl. Roll the mixture into balls and then roll in the coconut.
Store the Bliss Balls in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
Video
Notes
*Medjool dates are fresh dates, available from fruit and veg stores or supermarkets.*The number of dates required will vary depending on the size of your dates.*Just take a sharp knife and carefully run it down the side of the date; the pit is easily removed.*Both almond meal and almond flour are made from ground almonds. However, one may be made from blanched almonds and the other from the whole almond. To extend the shelf life, it is best to store the almond meal/flour in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.*The coconut is unsweetened. Look for coconut that does not contain a preservative.*To extend the shelf life of the coconut, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.*I use Maldon salt flakes in this recipe. The strength of salt can vary between brands so add a small amount first, check the flavour and add more if necessary to suit your taste.*If your mixture does not adhere, you can add a couple of extra dates and blend until the mixture feels as if it will come together to form a ball.