Not that long ago, we picked up a packet mix for fruit (or energy) balls. They were pretty nice & I've been keeping a look out for a recipe to try making my own. Then I came across these, which looked good & worked very nicely. Since then, I've been experimenting with other flavours & these chocolaty ones are my favourite so far.
These are delicious & make a great snack. Despite the word 'choc' in the title, they contain very little chocolate (you can omit the chocolate entirely if you want - they are still delicious, just a bit less chocolaty) & are full of healthy ingredients. No added sweetener, vegan**, easy to make, delicious...what more could you ask for?
makes 24-30
70g rolled oats
40g dark chocolate** (optional)
2 teaspoons chia seeds (optional)
180g dates
180g sultanas or dried cranberries
2 teaspoons vanilla essence
4 teaspoons cocoa powder
½ - 1 cup quinoa or amaranth flakes or oat bran
½ - 1 cup rolled oats
In a food processor grind walnuts, oats & chocolate (if using) add the chia seeds & set aside. Put the dates & sultanas or cranberries in the food processor & process until smooth (it may all clump up into a big ball, just process it a little more & it should smooth out). Add the vanilla & cocoa powder & process until combined.
Tip the oat & nut mixture back in & give it a quick pulse. Now you begin adding the extra grains. Start with ¼ cup of each, pulse, and see if you like the consistency. Keep adding the oats & quinoa/amaranth/oat bran a little at a time until it seems like enough. You don’t want to make your mix too dry – it should stick together when you squeeze it.
Transfer the mix to a bowl & roll & squeeze into balls. Mine are usually about 2.5 – 3cm, but you can make them any size you like. Put on a tray & leave in the fridge for 30min to harden, then transfer to a container. Store in the fridge.
**the dark chocolate I used is vegan, but some dark chocolate has dairy in it, so check the label
*I usually end up adding ½ - ¾ cup extra of each grain & you can make them with just rolled oats if you don’t have the other grains
*to make an apricot & coconut version: replace the dates with dried apricots & omit the cocoa powder & chocolate. Add ½ cup desiccated coconut with the nuts & oats. You will need less of the extra grains at the end.
*you can easily add other seeds, lsa meal, dried fruit, whatever you like.
