I. Need. Chocolate.

Or something. It's THAT time of year, staring down the barrel of Christmas, and I'm desperately trying to get 'work stuff' done and dusted, and at the same time organising the house to go away and enjoy the summer. So whatever gets me through the afternoon - you know how it goes. That need for a pick me up.

What one needs is some kind of protein, or, did I say chocolate? You know a handful of nuts is better than a sugary cake or a coffee, but this is even better. Plus, it contains maca and reishi. Reishi has the added benefit (amongst other things) of helping reduce fatigue and controlling blood sugar. Maca is good for hormonal health - it's meant to alleviate menopausal symptoms, too - but also for stamina. Add a few seeds, nuts and coconut milk, and some sweet dates, and you have yourself a nutritious afternoon snack. Voila.

Now, it's a super forgiving recipe, so don't worry if you don't have one nut or seed - just substitute with another. If it's too dry to shape into balls, add a little of the water from soaking the dates, or a little extra coconut oil. Remember chia seeds absorb 12 times the amount of water you give them and coconut oil will set hard in the fridge, so even if these seem a bit squishy, they'll harden up fine.

Ingredients

1/2 cup dates, soaked in hot water for an hour.
1/2 cup cashews
1/4 cup sunflower seeds
4 tbsp of maca
1 tbsp of reishi
2- 3 tbsps of cacao to taste
1 tbsp sesame seeds
2 tsp of chia
2 tbsp coconut oil
2 - 3 tbsps of nut butter (I used peanut)
Pinch of salt

Blend the nuts and seeds til they form a powder. Add the dates and dry ingredients and blend, then add the coconut oil. At this point, taste it. If you like it sweeter, add some honey, or if you'd fancy more chocolate, add more cacao. Use your taste buds, as well as your intuition - what else might go well in here? If it's too dry, add some of the reserved date water.

Form into balls and pop in the fridge. They'll harden somewhat there. You could roll them in coconut or sesame seeds or hemp seeds if you like.

Do you make bliss balls?

What gets you through an afternoon slump?

With Love,

Plant Power Vegan Community

^{The Herbal Hive Community}

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