This recipe is the only way I can successfully not eat a sweet for an entire week. Seriously, I may as well be eating Godiva truffles because that’s how much I enjoy them. I whip up a double batch of these often and keep them in the fridge for after dinner cravings or put them in the boy’s lunch for a little treat (they ask me for the “chocolate balls” – hehe there’s zero chocolate in there the way they know it!). I’m a sucker for anything chocolate mint, and so I have to be careful not to eat them all in one sitting. If your cup of tea isn’t peppermint, try substituting with almond or orange extracts.

• 1 C walnuts
• 1 C pitted medjool dates
• 1/3 C cacao powder
• 2 tbsp almond milk
• 1-1 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
• 1 C shredded sweetened coconut for rolling

Are you ready to get your hands dirty?! Don’t worry – no one but you will know if you lick them clean afterwards. Pulse walnuts in food processor. Add dates and pulse to incorporate well. I prefer using dates that have not been pre pitted. I find that when I pit them myself, they are much more fresh and will incorporate easily. Add cacao, peppermint extract and almond milk and mix until well combined. Refrigerate for about a half hour to set. Form into balls by rolling about a tablespoon of the mixture between the palms of your hands. Place coconut into shallow bowl and roll balls in coconut to coat. May be placed in fridge for 1-2 weeks or in freezer for several months.

(Adapted from Living Well Mom)

Photo cred: Rebecca O’Hara