a.k.a Balls for Pernilla
It’s good when my friends harass – I mean gently remind – me to write down my recipes. It inspires and motivates me! Thank you to Pernilla who patiently waited several months for me to remember how I made these.
The concept is basic and you can make a lot of variations. This seems to be everyone’s favorite version so far (yes, these are Bear Approved). These have good fat (raw almond butter), good protein, and the only sweetener is dates and the optional cherries. They are kind of like natural energy balls!
Equipment needed: food processor. (You can try to do this by hand but mincing dates is a pain in the arse.)
Advance prep: soak dates (20 mins) and dried cherries (at least 10 mins).
In a food processor, combine:
1 cup raw almond butter (chunky or smooth)
¼ cup chocolate brown rice protein powder (Nutribiotic brand is processed at low temps)
2-3 T hemp protein powder (ground hemp seeds)
1/3 cup raw cocoa powder
1 T vanilla extract
Cinnamon to taste.
While the food processor is running, drop in pieces of:
5 soaked fresh Medjool dates
Process until smooth. Stop and scrape down the sides as necessary. You may need more or less dates to produce a slightly sticky and smooth consistency. At the very last minute, add:
¼ c. soaked dried cherries (optional)
Process only for a few seconds; you want to incorporate the cherries but retain juicy, sweet chunks.
Shape into small balls. Refrigerate on a plate lined with parchment or wax paper.
I have on my wish list to try a winter variety of these with orange zest and a bit of orange juice, and another variety with soaked dried apricots. If you experiment, please add your comments here!
