Coco-Orange Protein Balls

Recently I have really found my sweet tooth, especially with the combination of dates and peanut-butter. But I have admitted to myself that I am in fact, a peanut-butter addict, and I need to cut down on how many jars I get through a week....

I also love dates, I eat them like they are healthy little toffee's. They are high in fibre, so help towards maintaining a healthy gut, as well as minerals like calcium, iron and magnesium! These coco-orange protein balls are inspired by 'NKD' bars, which are the snack I turn to when I need a pick me up. (My favourite flavour is cocoa orange.) Being a student, these get a little pricey to buy so I decided it was time to try make my own! I know they may not look that impressive, but they really are one of the tastiest things that I have made recently!

www.instagram.com/mollybuszard

You will need -

Makes 6/8

One cup of Dates
One and 1/2 Cup of Cashew Nuts
Two Tablespoons of Raw Cacao Powder
Peel of Half an Fresh Orange
Optional - One Scoop of Protein Powder (I used Vegan Blend from MyProtein)
Sprinkle of Salt
Desiccated Coconut for Rolling


Soak the dates in a bowl of boiling water so that they become soft and sticky, this should only take a few minutes. Then in a food processor, blitz the cashews to create a find crumb. Next add the dates in and mix until a smooth mixture forms. In a mixing bowl add the date/cashew mixture as well as the cacao powder, orange peel, protein powder and salt and stir all the ingredients through.
Line a tray with cling film and roll the mixture into small balls - pop into the fridge for 30 minutes. Once they have hardened slightly, roll the balls in desiccated coconut so that they are evenly covered. Then put them back into the fridge, or consume immediately. 

Enjoy!

MB

X