By Marion McConnell

Use organic products where possible
1 cup sun dried dates
1/2 cup raisins
1 cup raw nuts (I used half brazil and half almonds)
1/4 cup pepitas or sunflower seeds
1 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tbsp cacao powder
1 tbsp organic honey
1 tbsp unhulled tahini
5 drops peppermint essential oil
desiccated coconut (optional)

Soak dates in boiling water for 10 minutes. Drain and press out excess liquid.
Process nuts, seeds, cinnamon and cacao powder until finely ground.
Add dates and remaining ingredients and process together. Might need to do in a couple of batches if you are using a small processor.
Roll teaspoonfuls of the mixture into balls in your hands.
Roll in coconut or leave plain. Store in airtight container in fridge.
Makes about 25 balls.

You can make many variations
• Add some cacao nibs for chocolate crunch
• Add grated orange rind and/or few drops of orange essential oil for Jaffa flavour
• Try different nut butters – peanut, almond, cashew

Cinnamon – (Cinnamomum verum) has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and may assist in stabalising blood sugar levels.
Tahini – is made from ground up sesame seeds and is a great source of calcium, B vitamins, protein and vitamin E.
Cacao powder – is made from cacao beans and is less processed than cocoa meaning you get lots more nutrients, especially magnesium and antioxidants. Look for raw, organic and fair trade cacao powder.