The joy that is felt when you find a super healthy food that a 4 year old will eat happily at any time of day (or night) is only one a mum would get.

It’s not very often the words, kids, healthy, chocolate and preschool friendly happen in one sentence but these “chocolate balls” as they are referred to in my house are a food miracle.

This a recipe that ticks all the boxes, chocolatey, rich filling, nutrient dense and nut free. They are also the ultimate kids cooking recipe. There are buttons to press on the food processor, dough to roll into balls and then rolling the balls in coconut. There’s loud noises, Technology and dirty, sticky food hands, for a 3 and 4 year old that’s heaven.

Bliss balls have become quite popular as an afternoon protein packed snack, unfortunately there are virtually non that are nut free. With an increase of life threatening nut allergies junior schools and preschools are reducing the chance of a reaction by creating a nut free environment.

Containing no nuts or real chocolate in sight, only magnesium full raw cacao, the truffles are high in protein, calcium, fiber, iron and omega 3. All the things that both little and big bodies need to make it through a day of of high activity.

The bliss balls are not just for littlies. They are perfect to carry around in all lunch boxes, I often have them in a little jar in my bag just in case I’m caught out and hungry.

I have a deep love for these snacks, afternoon energy slump tanties and fights have reduced and so my fridge is rarely with out these gems in it.

Thank goodness for no cook, no mess, kid friendly healthy treats.

Date, Tahini and Cacao Truffles

serves 20 prep time 15 minutes

 

2 1/2 cups Pitted Dates

3/4 cups Dessicated Coconut + extra for rolling

2 tbsp Pea Protein

2 tbsp Raw Cacao (or unsweetened cocoa powder)

1/4 cup Linseed meal

1 tbsp Chia seeds

2 tbsp Tahini

1/2 tsp Vanilla extract

3 tsp Coconut oil (virgin cold pressed preferred)

 

Add all the ingredients into the bowl of a food processor and blend until the mix is finely chopped and can be worked into a ball without crumbling.

Roll the dough into walnut sized balls

Roll the date balls in the extra coconut.

Place in a container and chill for at least an hr

Eat happily whenever you desire.

 

Notes:

Linseed meal is available from health food stores and some super markets and online. You could make your own by grinding whole linseeds. Or you could substitute with LSA, almond meal, hazelnut meal or more coconut.

Cacao is available from health food shops, major supermarkets and as always online. You can also substitute with unsweetened cocoa powder,

Chia seeds and Tahini are available from health food shops, major supermarkets and online.

Pea protein is available from some health foods stores and online.