Can you believe it’s already the 4th of July!!   If you have a bbq to attend or hosting one this holiday weekend, here is a great treat you can provide!

The base of the balls are dates.  Did you know: Dates are part of the fruit family and come from my favorite plant, the palm tree.  They contain a wide variety of essential vitamins and minerals such as, calcium, iron, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, magnesium and zinc.  Dates also provide a great source of energy, sugar and fiber.  Dates contain zero saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol making them a blood pressure and heart healthy treat.   These balls contain 5 ingredients and can whipped together in 10 minutes or less.  Just be careful, they are highly addictive! 🙂

Ingredients (24 balls)

• 15 Dates
• 1/2 Cup Shredded Unsweetened Coconut Flakes
• 1/2 Cup Chopped Walnuts
• 1/4 Cup Raw Cocoa Powder
• 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
• Additional Shredded Unsweetened Coconut Flakes for rolling

Directions:

1. Soak the dates in water for 10 minutes.
2. Drain and place the dates and all other ingredients (coconut flakes, chopped walnuts, cocoa powder, vanilla extract) in a food processor.  Process until the mixture becomes thick and paste-like (few seconds).  Warning: Mixture is sticky!  Wet your hands a little if it becomes an issue with stickiness.
3. Use a tablespoon and scoop out a tablespoon portion.  Roll together with your hands into balls, roll through shredded coconut and place on a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
4. Place the chocolate balls in the freezer for an hour.
5. Take out & ENJOY!