Date balls are magical things, when made right they have the ability to satisfy the sweetest tooth without derailing any health goals. And when drizzled in dark chocolate and decorated with dried rose petals, they become hard to not love even for the most traditional of treaters.
MY GUILT-FREE WEEKDAY TREAT
I love baking and all the sweetness that comes with it. But I have a very broad approach when it comes to what treats should look like. Sometimes they need to be a thick wedge of buttery cake with sugary icing. And sometimes it needs to be something that holistically fills that gap. And these date balls are perfect for that purpose.
FIND TREATS THAT YOU LOVE THAT ARE ALIGNED WITH YOUR GOALS
After the year that has been 2020, and unfortunately having had covid myself. Reassessing lifestyle becomes a necessity. Although I’ve always tried to be balanced when it comes to kale versus croquembouche. I needed to help myself regain an energy that was once taken for granted. And so, more focus of the kale side of life became my priority.
When it comes to healing, I’ve always turned to plants. I’ve been vegetarian for years now, never quite able to say no to that occasional cheese board. But I know for my body and my healing a plant-based lifestyle is what feels necessary. And for that transition to be successful I always make plant-based versions of the things I love.
So, that when I’m in the kitchen brewing a cup of tea after a long day, I’m not tempted by the slabs of chocolate or the cookies I know are still hiding in the cupboard. Instead I reach for a homemade, plant-based date ball that smooths out all the “I’m stressed, I’m tired, I’ve had a long day and need to treat myself immediately” feelings.
At times we all need to eat less refined sugar and focus more on plants. But in order to reset your habits you need to set yourself up for success. To think about your triggers and create alternatives to that behavior that still feel like an indulgence but don’t derail you from your pursuit of balance.
CHOCOLATEY AND PRETTY DATE BALLS
If you’re going to give this balance thing a try and make a date ball your daily treat rather than sugary snacks. Consider the ingredients you use in this recipe. Find an almond butter you truly love, and also find a dark vegan chocolate that tastes good to you. If you can’t find dried rose petals, use chopped nuts to decorate your date balls instead.
If like me you feel that everyday needs a moment of pure bliss, a moment where you feel you’ve treated yourself without the guilt. These dates balls are for you, make them and keep them in the fridge, ready and waiting for that moment.
With Love
Kitty xx
📖 Recipe
Date Balls - Almond Butter & Chocolate
Ingredients
- ¾ cup raw almonds
- ¼ cup desiccated coconut
- 6 dates pits removed
- ¼ cup almond butter
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- pinch sea salt
- 20 grams dark chocolate
- 2 tablespoon dried rose petals
Instructions
- Place all the ingredients in a blender fitted with a blade attachment
- Blend the mixture until it starts to come together and form a dough
- Refrigerate the mixture until cooled so that it is easier to roll
- Take a tablespoon of the mixture at a time and roll them into balls
- Melt you chocolate slowly in the microwave, stopping every 15seconds to give it a stir
- Once melted, use a fork to drizzle over the tops of the date balls
- Top the date balls with the dried rose petals or with extra chopped nuts
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