Coco Choco Chia Balls

Crappy cell phone picture of balls

I just came up with these, and they are pretty darned tasty, so I thought I would share. Nicholas is rolling the balls in coconut as I type. Griffin eats them soon thereafter. They are reminiscent of a Mounds bar, but not as sweet, with a slight crunch from the chia seeds. I love the chewiness of the dates. Go make them now.

Ingredients:

16oz pitted dates

1/2 cup almond butter

6 TB cocoa powder

2TB chia seeds

Finely shredded, unsweetened coconut (I used Let's Do...Organic brand)

Directions:

Blend the dates in a food processor until they form a big dough ball. Add in almond butter, cocoa powder and chia seeds, blend until combined.

Dump the mixture onto a cutting board and form into a large dough ball. Break off small pieces, roll into balls and then roll in the shredded coconut. Devour immediately, or store in an airtight container for up to a week. I think I might keep mine in the fridge. Or my belly.

Note: I made the almond butter earlier today in my Vitamix, since I didn't have any jarred on hand, and I didn't feel like putting on pants to go to the store. I thought I was going to catch the blender on fire. I did not, but I would like to upgrade to the variable speed model at some point. I had to add some melted coconut oil to obtain the proper consistency. You could used jarred or peanut butter if you are so inclined. 

Tip: I got the dates at Costco some time ago. I guess they store well (right?). I like fragment sentences.