I've always doubted that dates could taste good in a dessert or snack. I never came to enjoy the Larabar or the Rx Bar due to the "date" like taste & texture. But recently I've seen all these yummy looking balls .... that people have been calling "date balls". I withheld myself due to doubts. And after a couple years, I've finally caved. I bought my 1st container of dates and gave this thing a swing.

And well dang, I ended up LOVING the taste of these! They are rich, chocolatey and the sea salt pops making it have that "sweet & savory" type of flavor on the tongue.

It takes just minutes to make and it's GF, Vegan & Raw! Not shabby.

Ingredients:

Prep time: 10 min total

• 1 cup of raw almonds (or walnuts)
• 1 cup of pitted medjool dates
• 2 TBSP of cacao powder
• 1/2-1 tsp sea salt (based on your taste preference)
• 1 tsp of vanilla extract

*Optional: a sprinkle of cinnamon (I did 1/2 TSP give or take)

I've tried with both almonds & walnuts. Walnuts make them a bit more oily in texture, but taste more "creamy". The almond ones have more of a "cookie" like taste.

Directions:

1. In a food processor add in the almonds (or walnuts). Blend until it becomes grain-like
2. Add in the pitted medjools and cacao, then blend until smooth
3. Toss in the sea salt, vanilla and cinnamon and either stir by hand or blend again.
4. Shape the mixture into balls and enjoy!

*Keep in the fridge so they maintain their shape! They taste best cold

• Makes approx. 30 date balls.
• Macros per ball: 40 calories, 2g fat, 4.6g carbs, 1g protein, 1g fiber