Nut free Christmas bliss balls with goji berries - the perfect healthy snack for Christmas festivities when there are no nuts allowed.
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What's the oldest thing you've ever found in your pantry? I remember once when we were at my grandpa's we found a tube of condensed milk that was older than I was.
I can't talk though.
The first time I made these nut free Christmas bliss balls, they were meant to be the classic Christmas combination of chocolate and cranberries.
Before I did the shopping I scanned the pantry - almost-full packet of cranberries - check.
You might also like nut free apricot bliss balls.
Out came all the ingredients and I had a quick peek at the used by date on the cranberries - 2011. It was 2018!
I don't think I would have even been buying dried cranberries back them. I clearly wasn't too taken with them if they'd sat there that long.
I squeezed my brain for an alternative to avoid the shops and out jumped the goji berries.
They give the balls their necessary Christmas colouring with the added bonus of antioxidants.
I processed mine pretty small because they're quite chewy but if you wanted them softer, you could soak them in boiling water for a few minutes before chopping them (or feel free to use cranberries but I'd stick with goji).
Not keen on rolling balls? Learn how to make bliss balls in 30 seconds.
If you like these you might also like to try Carrot cake bliss balls.
They make the perfect healthy snack or I think you could call them guilt-free rum balls.
You know what? You could even add a nip of rum to the mixture. I think it would perfectly complement the flavours.
Wrap them up and there's your Secret Santa sorted.
You're welcome. Enjoy!
Recipe
Nut free Christmas bliss balls
Ingredients
- 200 g pitted dates
- 150 g desiccated coconut
- 20 g raw cacao powder
- 150 g dried goji berries roughly chopped in the food processor
- 20 g coconut flour
- 50 g coconut oil
- 50 g extra desiccated coconut for rolling
Instructions
- Place dates in a large, heat-proof jug and cover with freshly-boiled water and leave to sit for 15 minutes.
- Drain dates then use a food processor to process into a smooth paste.
- Add the remaining ingredients (except the extra coconut) and process just until everything is incorporated.
- Roll the mixture into balls using about a level tablespoon of mixture at a time.
- Roll the balls in coconut to coat then refrigerate until serving
Hotly Spiced says
You've photographed these beautifully, Claire. I love the sound of these bliss balls. I don't think it's Christmas unless I whip up a batch of bliss balls. Never tried them with goji berries though - I was thinking I might use inca-berries xx
Claire says
Yep you could definitely use Inca berries. Thanks Charlie! I'm reading a styling book at the moment so trying to put my learnings into practice x
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says
I do a pantry cleanout every 6 months so I don't have a lot of old stuff. My problem is with spices. I can't remember how long they've been opened and I prefer them fresh to get the best flavour for the dish. Clever substitution with the goji berries.
Claire says
That's a good idea Maureen. I did a big clean when I was pregnant but these must have snuck by me.
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says
Hehe I try and declutter my fridge and pantry but sometimes things do slip through! My mum loves keeping stuff-we find stuff from last century sometimes! :P I love these super healthy balls!
Claire says
It's amazing how long things can hide for!
Amy says
Ha ha I love that you found these old cranberries!! They made it through countless pantry de-clutters and even moving house!! They must have been hiding themselves very well!!
X
Claire says
I know! That's what I thought was so strange. You know I think I actually bought them to make your overnight oats the first time! x