Satisfy those sweet tooth cravings with these nutritious and delicious bites.
Do you have a time of the day when you just crave something sweet?
Mine is usually a little while after dinner. I know we are all well adverse of the health risks of too much sugar and rightly so. That's why I prefer to make my own food because that way I know the source of my sugar and how much I am putting it in.
We are never going to avoid sugar and a little of what you fancy does you good. Make the swap to natural sources of sugar rather than refined sugar.
Dates are a deliciously sweet fruit which are high in antioxidants, B vitamins and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, iron and magnesium. The combination of which helps to strengthen our bones, support our heart health and also boost our energy levels.
The fiber in dates may also help with constipation and regular bowel movement. Plus because these bites have the addition of fiber, healthy fats and some protein, it helps to offsets the sugar rush we can get from sugary sweets.
These bites serve as a mid-afternoon or post-dinner snack and I find are a great way to curve my sweet tooth.
As they are rich, I only need one and I eat it mindfully to enjoy the contrasting textures of squidgy dates and crunchy nuts. Enjoy.
Coconut & Pecan Bites
Makes around 12 balls.
Preparation 15 minutes
Ingredients:
1 cup pitted Medjool Dates
1 ½ cup Pecan Nuts
½ cup Desiccated Coconut (reserving ¼ cup to roll the bites in)
1 tablespoon of melted Coconut Oil
1 tablespoon of liquid sweetener of your choice (I used Date Syrup)
1 teaspoon of Cinnamon
Pinch of Sea Salt or Himalayan Salt
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
2. Place the nuts onto the tray and leave for about 8 -10 minutes. Depending on your oven the time may vary so keep an eye on them as they can burn quickly.
3. Put the roasted nuts into a food processor and process until it resembles a coarse meal.
4. Add ¼ cup of coconut into the food processor along with all the other ingredients and process until fully combined.
5. Take about a large tablespoon of the mixture and using your hands, bring the mixture together by rolling it into a ball and then into the remaining desiccated coconut to coat.
6. Place the balls in a container lined with parchment paper and freeze for up to an hour.
7. You can take them out individually allowing them to sit for 5 minutes before serving, or alternatively, remove from the freezer and store in the fridge.
8. These bites will last in the freezer for up to a month and for up to a week or longer in the fridge.
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