Sunday, February 21, 2016

Chocolate Covered Pecan Date Balls


Chocolate Covered Pecan Date Balls

These delicious treats may look like candy, and they even taste like candy, but they're actually high protein energy balls, dipped in antioxidant rich dark chocolate.  Made with raw pecans, dates, and a touch of cinnamon and salt, they are a super yummy "dessert" you can enjoy any time of day.  Even without the chocolate coating, they are sweet and satisfying, and so simple to make. I brought them to a super bowl party a few weeks ago (hence the Eagles serving dish), and they were gone before halftime.  Luckily I saved a bunch in my freezer for another day. I've enjoyed them before a workout for an extra energy boost, and after a meal for a little something sweet without filling me up. My parents couldn't believe there was no added sugar in the recipe, and suggested I try adding a little brandy into the next batch, which I might just have to try! 




Chocolate Covered Pecan Date Balls

4 C. raw pecans
20 pitted dates, soaked in water for 20 minutes
3 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. salt
dark chocolate, melted (about 1 C.)

Drain the water that the dates were soaking in, and combine all of the ingredients in a food processor until a coherent dough begins to form.  Using a small spoon, roll the dough into 3/4 inch sized balls and place on an ungreased cookie sheet.  Bake at 350F for 8 - 10 minutes.  Once the balls are cool, place them in the freezer for at least 2 hours, or overnight. Dip them in the melted dark chocolate and let cool.  Store in the refrigerator for up to a week, or in the freezer for longer.

close up view

alongside a giant chocolate chip cookie shaped like a football!


No comments:

Post a Comment