Break Time! Almond Date Balls and Hazelnut Coconut Mochas

For an end of the year wrap up, WordPress stats sent me a list of the top five posts for 2015. This post received the second most views for 2015. Joseph . . . called Barnabus, Son of Encouragement, was first in viewing totals.

Need an afternoon pick-me-up? These healthy date balls paired with a coconut hazelnut mocha do the trick!

 

Add a touch of ribbon for a fun gift!

Almond Date Balls (makes about 18 balls)

Ingredients:

(I use organic when possible.)

10 dates (I used deglet noor dates because they are less pricey in my neck of the woods than the oft-used medjool dates.)

1/4 c. unsweetened cocoa

1 c. almonds

2 tbsp. peanut butter

1 tbsp. almond butter

2 tsps. honey (Honey is good to add if you need a little extra moisture.)

1/2 c. coconut

Instructions:

Finely grind almonds in a food processor.

Add remaining ingredients, except the coconut, and process until  you can form the mixture into balls.

Remove mix and and grind coconut. Place coconut in a bowl.

Form date mixture into balls using a small stainless steel scoop (such as the Pampered Chef one). Roll balls in the coconut.

Place on tray in refrigerator for thirty minutes. Place balls in air tight container.

I began experimenting with creating my own recipes when my husband discovered that salicylic acid, natural to a variety of foods, caused his ears to ring loudly. Often the only way I could control how much of this acid he ingested was by making my own meals from scratch, down to the broth, sauces, and selecting the spices. To my surprise, I am enjoying this new recipe hobby in my sixty-something years!  The challenge is fun, sometimes frustrating, but often rewarding.

Hazelnut Coconut Mocha

I love coffee with real cream, but because of my proneness to “bad” cholesterol,  I’ve had to switch out the dairy for some other liquid. So I’ve been experimenting with coffee recipes and creamers. Most of the ingredients are organic. This one is a favorite. 

Ingredients:

One cup brewed coffee

2 tbsp. Hazelnut Coconut Milk coffee creamer (I like So Delicious brand.)

2 tsps. unsweetened cocoa

Instructions:

Pour creamer in a mug. Place mug in microwave and heat for 15 seconds.

Mix in the cocoa and stir, creating somewhat of a slurry. Add hot coffee and stir. Add more creamer to taste, if desired.

Coffee mug from Mary and Martha home parties