Choco Brownie bliss balls

Can you trust some who doesn't like chocolate? Both Aaron and I love having something sweet after dinner. It is our guilty pleasure, and since I am trying to get him on the healthy snack bandwagon, I thought I would make sweet treats that are rich enough that you would only want to stop at one but be healthy enough you don't feel you have cheated on your health kick.

These choco brownie bliss balls are how I imagined they would be, sweet, indulgent and free from refined sugar, which can be addictive. And jam-packed full of wholesome nutrients.

These are a great addition to any lunch box, a treat after the gym or if you are like me, enjoy one after dinner.

The trick to making the perfect bliss balls is all in the seeds and nuts; I chose almonds and Brazil nuts for this recipe.

Almonds help reduce cholesterol and may help with cognitive function. The consumption of almonds also modulates immune responses that stabilise gut microbiota.

Brazil nuts are rich in antioxidants owing to their selenium content. They may improve oxidative stress and blood pressure.

Dates are a great sweetener and are energy-dense. They make an excellent base for a bliss ball, containing selenium, potassium, copper and magnesium, and an excellent source of dietary fibre.

Dates are high in tannin and have been traditionally used as medicine for their cleansing power in the middle east for thousands of years.

Oats are high in protein and fibre, and they are also low GI making them slower to digest, allowing a smaller rise in blood sugar. Oats are also a great source of B-vitamins with small amounts of copper, calcium and magnesium.

Coconut oil is used in holistic therapies all over the world. Virgin coconut oil comes from the flesh of the coconut; it is rich in polyunsaturated fat (the good kind) and a good source of antioxidants.

These Bliss Balls are 931kJ in each. You can make smaller balls for fewer kilojoules per ball. The recipe is 8379.94kJ in total.

What you will need:

1/3 cup (124g) cacao powder

1 tbsp (14g) virgin coconut oil

10 Medjool dates, pitted

1 tbsp (14g) maple syrup

1 cup (80g) oats

1 tsp (4g) vanilla extract

1/2 cup (75g) almonds

1/2 cup (75g) Brazil nuts

How to make:

In a high-powered blender or food processor, add all ingredients and blend till it becomes a paste.

Transfer the mixture to a large bowl. With clean hands, make 9 balls by rolling the mixture between your palms. Store in an airtight container and place in the fridge for up to 1 week.

I hope you enjoy these sweet little treats and If you want to keep up to date with new recipes subscribe to my newsletter.