Nut Balls

Recently I came across a very interesting little book called 'Snack It Out' by Donalee Halkett who lives on the Sunshine Coast. It is a collection of healthy, fresh snack ideas which would be a great choice for school lunch boxes and any snack time. Of particular interest was a recipe for Nut Balls which I made today and I can guarantee that they will appeal to most children (and adults).

 

I contacted Donalee about sharing a recipe from her book on my blog and she readily consented so here it is:

 

 

Nut Balls

 

 

1 cup raw almonds

1 cup raw sunflower seeds

1 cup coconut

1/2 cup raw cashews

1/2 cup raw pepitas

1/2 cup raw hazelnuts

1/2 cup raw sesame seeds

3/4 cup raw honey

3/4 cup tahini

 

Chop all the nuts finely or grind in a processor. Place nuts on a tray in a moderate oven and roast for 10 minutes, turning frequently. Remove from oven and add coconut to nut mixture. Combine honey and tahini together and add to nuts. Roll into balls and roll in extra coconut. Very yummy.

 

This quantity can be cut in half as this recipe makes quite a few. Keep in the refrigerator.

 

Added suggestions: carob pieces, dried fruit, brown rice bubbles.

 



Put nuts in processor.



Grind nuts.

 

 

Place in tray and roast for 10 minutes.

 

 

Add tahini and honey and roll into balls.

 

 

Roll in coconut and refrigerate.

 

I actually only made half the mixture as I thought I would be the only person eating the nut balls but my adult son was eating them as quickly as I could roll them in coconut. I had some toasted desiccated coconut left in the pantry cupboard so I rolled the balls in that. I had forgotten how good tahini tasted and when added to honey the taste was just delightful.

 

 



 

I would recommend investing in Donalee's book as there are lots of  recipes for healthy snacks in there and there are sure to be some which any fussy child would enjoy. 'Snack It Out' is published by Choice Living and orders can be placed there.  It may also be available in your local library.



 

 



 

As Donalee says in her introduction:

 

'We are living in a time where the preparation of food from fresh ingredients is on a rapid decline and it's being substituted by frozen prepackaged, canned or take-away meals that are high in calories and devoid of proper nutritional benefits, as well as the additives, refined sweeteners and artificial preservatives. This is a recipe for disease'.

 

She quotes Hippocrates, 'Let food be your medicine, and medicine be your food'.

 

Now...I'm off to hide some of the nut balls so that I have some for myself! Let me know what you think of this recipe if you make it as I am sure you won't be disappointed.