Cacao Goji Balls
by Maiah A
(Carlsbad, CA, USA)
Cacao Goji Balls
I was trying to come up with a cookie that everyone could enjoy--at a house party filled with fellow yoga instructors, my fiance and his Marine coworkers, and friends with all sorts of dietary concerns. I was determined to make something almost anyone could enjoy.
With no added sugar, dairy, soy, corn or gluten, this no-bake cookie is easy to prepare, and as my fiance declared, tastes like a delicious energy bar but "a million times better"!
He now asks for it all the time, and I bring them hiking, to the beach, and most recently, mailed him a box to Afghanistan.
My friends now know when they come over to root through the fridge or freezer in case I am storing any of my now-famous Cacao Goji Balls.
Even the biggest dessert lover can appreciate this rich, antioxidant-packed, healthy alternative to the average holiday cookie.
Cacao Goji Balls Recipe
Ingredients:- 1/2 cup raw almonds
- 6-9 Medjool dates
- 1/4 cup goji berries
- 1-1/2 tablespoons cocoa or raw cacao powder
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- dash paprika
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2-3 tablespoons water, as needed
- 1/4 cup raw cacao nibs*
- 1/4 cup nondairy chocolate chips
Directions:
1. Place all ingredients in a food processor; process, stopping to scrape down the sides. Add water as needed until dough comes together in one ball.
2. Scoop out and roll into desired size balls.
3. Serve as is or chill for a firmer cookie.
Yields: 1-1/2 dozen or so No Bake Cacao Goji Berry Balls, depending on size
Return to Holiday Cookie Contest 2012.
