Cocoa almond date balls


These delicious little balls are a great snack and are packed with goodness. They are naturally gluten-free and sugar-free and they are suitable for a Paleo lifestyle. They took me little over half an hour to make.


Ingredients for about 30 balls:
1 cup of fresh dates, pitted
1 cup of raw unpeeled almonds (or another nut of your choice)
2 tablespoons of raw cocoa powder
2 tablespoons of organic coconut oil
1 or 2 teaspoons of water
a pinch of salt (optional)


Put one cup of nuts in a food processor or blender. Process the nuts until they are fairly finely ground.



Take 2 spoons of the ground almonds and set it aside for later.

Then, add the rest of the ingredients and use the food processor to combine everything together. It takes a couple of minutes.




The mixture should start to come away from the sides of the food processor if it is the correct consistency. Add some water if it is too dry (a tiny bit at a time!) or some coconut flour if it is too wet. 

Leave the mixture in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. It makes the balls easier to roll if they are a bit cooler. 

Now is the time to make the coating for the balls. Add two tablespoons of desiccated coconut and half a teaspoon of cocoa powder to the 2 tablespoons of almonds which you set aside earlier. 



Take a smallish ball of the mixture, and roll it between your hands to make a smooth shiny ball. 


Pop the ball which you have rolled into the dry coating, and shake the bowl gently to ensure that the whole ball is covered evenly. 


Place the covered balls together on a plate and refrigerate until they are cool and firm. 

Store the balls in the fridge, as they hold their shape better. They will last a couple of weeks (if you don't devour them all on the first day!)