Chocolate Power Balls

After being frustrated that the hubby wasn't too keen on my donuts made with coconut oil (BTW I've since tried them with butter and they tried out amazing... I'll update that recipe) and that I wanted more than just MY opinion for my recipes, I decided to set out on an easy target for my new 'taste testers' (besides family). A few days later I dropped Elle off at school, and as I was walking to my car it dawned on me - TEACHERS! Duh! I used to be one, so I know first hand how much they love having food around - ESPECIALLY if it's good for you!

So I've been slowly initiating the teachers at Elle's school into my taste-testers by sending in some one my freshly made recipes, and the same day I sent these in I got a text from Elle's teacher asking what these were made of. I told her they'd NEVER guess one of the ingredients - the guesses were oatmeal, coconut oil, protein mix, pecans, honey. Noone guessed DATES!

Let's be real - who the heck even knows of dates?! I had never even heard of them until IIN and I started eating cleaner. Now, I get dried dates from Green Bean Delivery (if not for them I'd have to truck it Whole Foods, and I just don't want to do that) and pit them myself - carefully slice one side of the date and pull out the pit. Just this morning Elle's teacher asked me when I was going to post this recipe - apparently all the teachers who tried them loved them. So there you have it - It's not just my biased opinion :)

If you're like me and just HAVE to have chocolate around the house, this is a great option! Elle came home that day and ate a couple and I had to stop her from eating them all... I wanted the hubby to try them when he got home (he actually liked them, though he's still super hesitant to try stuff like this ever since I made black bean brownies without him knowing LOL!)

Oh, and if you didn't know, Larabars are made with DATES! It's our go-to diaper bag snack. Elle LOVES the Apple flavor, my favorite is the Peanut Butter Chip, but there are several others that are good. There are recipes to make your own, but since this is a convenience factor for me, and they are literally made with 2, 3 4, maybe 5 wholesome ingredients (usually dates, nuts, and dried fruit), I'll buy them 10 for $10 at Kroger and be happy :) Now that I think of it, it's the same ingredients as this. Maybe these should be calls LaraBALLS...

Thank you to the teachers who have tried these recipes and given your feedback! It helps me out so much, and hopefully it'll inspire you to take baby steps to making healthier options for you and your families. Please feel free to comment on any recipes that I've sent in and have tried, and even if you have made alterations to fit your family's preferences - I'd love to include them!

Thank you for being my taste-testers! You are helping me bite-by-bite to create a healthier atmosphere and community for our kids!

Chocolate Power Balls

from 100 Days of Real Food cookbook

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon butter

1 cup pecans (or other nut of choice)

1 tablespoon honey

1 cup pitted dried dates

1 tablespoon unsweetened powdered cocoa (100% dark recommended - I use Hershey's Special Dark 100% Cacao)

Optional: unsweetened coconut flakes for coating the outside

Instructions:

1. Using a frying pan, melt the butter on medium-low heat and add the pecans to the pan. Pour in the honey and cook until the nuts brown slightly, about 3 – 5 minutes. Be very careful not to overcook the nuts because they can go from perfect to burnt very quickly.

2. Once the pecans are done blend them in a food processor with the pitted dates and cacao. Add 1 – 2 teaspoons of water or just enough to help the mixture stick together a little.

3. Roll the chocolate mixture into little ball shapes with your hands and coat them with plain or toasted unsweetened coconut if desired. Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Enjoy!

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