My mother and I discovered a version of this recipe years ago in a book called “Raw Food Made Easy” by Jennifer Cornbleet. Ever since, we have both continued to adapt it in our own ways and have sworn by its ability to both satisfy and ward off a sweet craving. I find that the use of cacao powder and maca provide a nice balanced energy and mood boost, while the walnuts make them satiating and not blood sugar-spike inducing like their less nutritious dessert-y counterparts.
*Yields 8 Bites
- 1.5 cups raw walnuts
- 8 pitted medjool dates
- 1/3c raw cacao powder
- 2t water
- 1/2t vanilla extract
- 1/2t maca powder
- Coconut flakes for dipping
Combine the walnuts, dates, cacao powder, water and vanilla extract in a food processor and mix until blended. Add maca powder and pulse a few more times. Wet hands and roll mixture into 8 inch-sized balls and dip in coconut flakes. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or longer in the freezer.
Health Benefits:
Walnuts – for such a small food, walnuts are incredibly nutritious and are said to be beneficial to good cholesterol levels and heart health. Boasting a wide range of nutrients such as omega 3 fatty acids, antioxidants and minerals, they are known to be one of the only non-fish sources to offer alpha-linolenic acids.
Raw Cacao Powder – 4x the amount of antioxidants found in dark chocolate! If that weren’t enough, it is also packed with protein, calcium, carotene, thiamine, riboflavin, magnesium, sulfur and flavonoids. A true superfood.
Maca Powder – a known adaptogen and hormone balancer.
