walnut bliss balls with chia, coconut + carob

Wow, I love balls. This recipe has only a few ingredients, all of which are super foods in their whole, raw form. I had trouble restraining myself from eating all the mix before I rolled them out but I can proudly say I only devoured like... 1/4 of it. This is where you say "Good job, Emily." Even my kitty was tempted by the coconut flakes. I quickly googled "cats and coconut" and it turns out coconut oil is excellent for your animal companions! Holla.

I am starting to prefer carob over cacao. I had forgotten how deliciously sweet it is, and in my opinion, more florally (I don't think that's a word...) than cacao. Nutritionally it has less fat, 1/3 of the calories, many of the same nutrients and vitamins, and can be eaten without any processing, while you must process cacao seeds before they're edible. Having said that - I will never give up chocolate so don't worry. But still - carob is pretty legit. 

You know what else is legit? Chia seeds! They are way too awesome for me alone to explain so I will let this professional-sounding person do it for me. Finally we have raw coconut flakes that taste OUT OF THIS WORLD. I have much sympathy for those poor folks who are allergic to coconut. On your behalf, I am so sorry. Now if you excuse me, I am going to go fill my face with coconut... *runs away* 

walnut bliss balls with chia, coconut + carob: 

Balls:

1 cup walnuts

1/2 cup oats

1 1/2 cups dates

2 tablespoons carob powder

Dash of salt and vanilla, if desired 

Coatings:

Coconut flakes

Carob powder

Chia seeds 

To make the balls: process the walnuts, oats and carob in your food processor until they become a rough flour. Add the rest of the ingredients and process until it sticks together. If it is still too crumbly or dry, add 1 tablespoon of liquid coconut oil or a few more dates. Press the mix into balls with your hands. Roll in the coatings. Nom.