These little dandies were the first thing that I latched onto when we started going paleo. Simple and quick to make. The kids loved them. I loved them. Great snacks or dessert (depending on how much chocolate chips were added). You can add protein powder to them, or coat them with cocoa powder, or dip them in melted chocolate. Yum!
TIP: So when my sister asked why the dates were tearing up her food processor, I had to think that 1) some fresh dates can still be dry 2) deglet dates are good, but medjool dates are better. Medjool are sweeter, larger, and usually softer than Deglet dates. Also, if the dates are especially hard, they can be soaked in small amount of hot water for 10 min. to soften them before putting them in the food processor.
One more note before the recipe… I found these (Larabar Bites)
in the store today! Basically similar to a Larabar, but they reminded me so much of my Brownie Bites, except my Brownie Bites are a LOT cheaper!
OK without further ado…
- 1 cup raw Almonds (I soak mine and dry them in dehydrator so they are very crisp)
- 1-1/2 cups pitted Medjool Dates (approximately 10-11 dates)
- 3-1/2 Tbsp Cocoa Powder (try to use the good stuff)
- 4 Tbsp Shredded Unsweetened Coconut
- ⅛ tsp salt
- 1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract (I never measure, so pour in what makes you happy)
- Water, maybe
- (optional: protein powder)
- (optional: mini choco chips)
- Add all ingredients except water and choco chips to the blender (I use a Blendtec) or food processor in the order listed (the keeps the dates from getting stuck in the blades).
- Pulse a few times until your almonds have been chopped up pretty small (there can still be a few good sized pieces). You may need to scrape the sides 1 or 2 times.
- If your mixture is dry, add in a small drizzle of water (I’m guessing no more than ¼ – ½ tsp).
- Once everything is combined, scoop the mixture into a bowl and mix/knead just to make sure it’s nice and combined.
- Enlist the help of small humans (aka: children) to roll the mixture into Tbsp-size balls.
- Eat them all, or maybe share one or two with your small human helpers. It’s your call.
Thank you for the recipe. I made a similar recipe with walnuts instead of almonds and no coconut flakes! I can’t wait to try this recipe!