Cocoa & Maca Bliss Balls (Vegan+GF)
Today’s all about simplicity and ease.
Sometimes less is more and that’s what I’m feeling today, sound good? I know I’ve shared some recipes for bliss balls in the recent past but today I tried something new. Ever heard of maca? It’s becoming quite popular within the health food niches these days for all it’s said health benefits.
Now to be completely honest, I try to look at any foods in this category with my “bs radar” turned on high, if you know what I mean. Haven’t we all heard of the newest “superfood” that thrives growing in the impossibly harsh conditions of the Icelandic glaciers, is picked by virgin nuns, cures cancer, and makes you poop rainbows and grow fairy wings? Yeah, me too. I’m just saying that when I hear about the newest ingredient that’s trending, I take it with a grain of salt before believing in it’s magical qualities.
That being said, I do love trying new ingredients and I think there are in fact some foods that do have particular health benefits. Maca is a root vegetable that’s in the same family as broccoli and caulifour. It’s said to help with a number of things from hormonal balance to energy levels. I found some at Trader Joe’s recently so I wanted to try adding it to my most recent batch of bliss balls.
These are so seriously good and did I mention that they’re a lot like eating cookie dough? I added some mini chocolate chips but you can also use cacao nibs. They’re great for lunchbox treats, afternoon pick-me-ups, or just a sweet after dinner treat.
They’re quick, easy, and don’t require any cooking, so yes! Also, if you’ve been using maca yourself and have seen any difference I’d love to hear about it so let me know in the comments. Enjoy!
Cocoa & Maca Bliss Balls (Vegan+GF)
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup pitted dates + 5 tablespoons hot water
- 2/3 cup rolled oats be sure they are gluten free if necessary
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons maca powder
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1/4 cup raw walnuts
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt optional
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract optional
- 2-3 tablespoons mini chocolate chips or cacoa nibs
Instructions
Soak the dates in a glass cup or measuring jar with about 5 tablespoons hot water.
Add the oats and walnuts to a food processor or blender and pulse until finely ground. Add the soaked dates (with the water) then add the remaining ingredients, except chocolate chips and pulse again until as smooth as you'd like. (I left mine a bit gritty for texture but if you'd rather, you should probably be able to get it completely pureed.) Pour in chocolate chips/or chunks and pulse just to combine.
Roll the mixture into small bite-size balls (about 1 1/2 tablespons each). If you're mixture seems a bit sticky or too soft, place it in the fridge to chill for about 30 minutes and it should be easier to roll.
