Chocolate & peanut butter bliss balls
I must admit to being a huge peanut butter fan. Under the guise of "protein", I consume ashamed volumes of the stuff! This recipe couples peanut butter with two of its (and my) BFFS... dates, and of course chocolate (well, cocoa).
These attractive bliss ball monstrosities are a two part ensemble, a chocolate outer layer and a slightly softer peanut and date centre. They are finished with a coating of crunchy crushed nuts (or dusting of cocoa, if you prefer). Though they are a filled, these bliss balls are super easy, made by hand, in a flash, without the need for a food processor or any other fancy gadgets, They are simply kneaded together, thanks to soft medjool dates.
This recipe uses a total of 8 dates. The ones I used were large and soft. If yours are small, then you may need a few more to achieve a malleable texture. If they are hard, soaking in some warm water a few minutes should do the trick.
I used "natural"peanut butter... the stuff that is just roasted peanuts and a bit of salt. Personally I like one with a good roast... not all peanut butters are created equal, and there is no covering yucky peanut butter.... the principle here, choose a peanut butter you like eating, and read the label if you are catering to people with allergies or intolerances.
One final note, and that is crushed nuts. These are something easily purchased from the supermarket, however, I found the result slightly better when I made my own, roated peanuts and chopped them up.... I think it is as simple as tastier peanuts and a darker roast.
These bliss balls also make for an attractive, edible, homemade gift! A great, healthy alternative to truffles!
Place the dates, cocoa, almond meal, salt and vanilla in a small bowl. squish together with your hands (goodness me, wash them first!). Knead until you have a stiff dough that doesn't stick to your hands and will roll into a smooth ball. If too stiff, add an extra date, or a splash of water.
Divide mixture into 6 even portions (mine weighed to about 30g). Roll each portion into a ball, the flatten to a disc. Set aside while you make the filling.
Mash/knead together the 2 dates and peanut butter until you have a mostly homogenous slightly sticky paste.
Divide into 6 portions, and roll into balls.
Place a peanut butter ball on a chocolate disc. encase the ball with the disc using your hands, then roll gently into a neat ball. Roll in crushed nuts of sifted cocoa to finish. Repeat with remaining mixture.
Ingredients
Directions
Place the dates, cocoa, almond meal, salt and vanilla in a small bowl. squish together with your hands (goodness me, wash them first!). Knead until you have a stiff dough that doesn't stick to your hands and will roll into a smooth ball. If too stiff, add an extra date, or a splash of water.
Divide mixture into 6 even portions (mine weighed to about 30g). Roll each portion into a ball, the flatten to a disc. Set aside while you make the filling.
Mash/knead together the 2 dates and peanut butter until you have a mostly homogenous slightly sticky paste.
Divide into 6 portions, and roll into balls.
Place a peanut butter ball on a chocolate disc. encase the ball with the disc using your hands, then roll gently into a neat ball. Roll in crushed nuts of sifted cocoa to finish. Repeat with remaining mixture.
