The promise of a storm, the first of the season is darkening the skies as I sit here in a moments quiet with my 2 babes asleep, breathing heavily nearby.

There is something magical about a storm, energetic and free. Powerful. Wild. I have loved them since I was little, a similar love I have for the ocean. Untamed and Untamable.

We used to say the sky was turning on and off the lights to take the fear away for 2 little boys. Now they press their faces to the glass squealing and laughing hysterically when the lightning illuminates the heavens. The thunder has them scrambling around, as though they are playing catch with the wild weather. And then it all starts again, Faces pressed. Lightning, squealing, thunder, running.

 

And while I’m dreaming of the storm to come, I’m nibbling.

 

I have a love for the convenience of a bliss ball. Not just the easy to eat, cutlery or crockery are not required, but a love for the convenience of ingredient density. You can pack a lot of nutrition into a small space.

And these although brimming with nutrient density, also has the added bonus of tasting amazing. Perfectly balanced in sweetness, the carrots, orange and cashews make this into the “Cake”. Think Orange and Almond, but raw. There is a subtle nuttiness from the linseed meal which is balanced with the sweetness of the fresh dates and the carrots themselves. I have used both coconut oil and solidified coconut cream in this recipe as I am not a huge fan of the over powering flavour of most coconut oils. The Coconut cream adds a silkiness to the bliss balls, almost as though the icing for the “cake” is incorporated into the ball.

 

Everyone needs a recipe that is no bake, and can be prepped and made in less than 10 minutes. And this is that recipe. All you need is the ingredients and a food processor and some hands for rolling into shape.

 

And the nutrition, high in Vitamin A and B, Fiber, antioxidants, minerals, protein, Omega 3 and potassium.

I would suggest buying the best farm grown organic carrots for this recipe, to fully maximize on flavour and health benefits, but if shop bought is all you have, no sweat.

Perfect for lunch boxes for those both big and small. Great for a portable snack for picnics and events. And exceptional as an accompaniment for a cup of tea.

 

Raw Carrot Cake Bliss Ball (vegan)

serves 20 prep time 10 minutes

 

2 Carrots grated (organic preferred)

7 Fresh Medjool Dates

Zest of 1-2 Orange on a microplane

1 cup Cashews

1 tsp Vanilla Protein Powder (or 1 tsp vanilla extract)

1/3 Cup Linseed Meal

1/2 cup Dessicated Coconut + extra for rolling

1/2 tsp Cinnamon

3 tsp Coconut oil (liquify)

3 tsp Coconut Cream (leave a can in the fridge and use the white solidified top only)

 

Place all the ingredients into the bowl of a food processor and whiz until completely pulverized and evenly mixed.

With Damp hands roll spoonful amounts of the batter, it will be a little soft but will firm up once chilled.

Roll the balls in the extra dessicated coconut. Place in a container and chill for at least 4 hours but preferably over night.

Enjoy.

 

Notes

To get the thick coconut cream on the top of a can buy, buy a coconut cream with a high fat content. Pop the can in the fridge overnight, and when you open it it will have solidified on the surface. Carefully scrape the cream off the top leaving the coconut water underneath.

The remaining coconut water is great in curries, hot chocolates and smoothies.

Linseed meal is available from health food shops or online and some major supermarkets. You can substitute with LSA (linseed, sunflower and almond) also available online, health food shops and major supermarkets.