Travel may be a little tricky these days, but you can still traverse the globe with these delicious recipes to try at home.
Today's treat is popular in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and the USA – bliss balls.
What is it?
Bliss balls – it’s all in the name. These no-bake, easy-make balls of energy will have you enraptured from the first bite.
Origins
The bliss balls’ beginnings are a bit of a mystery, but it’s likely that they evolved within the raw food or vegan diet movements, where they have been regarded as a highly prized treat for years. Today, there are countless recipes and adaptations around the globe, thousands of which can be found online for you to try, adapt and adore. The only cause of upset? That you hadn’t discovered them sooner!
You’ll need
¾ cup raw almonds
¼ cup raw cashews
1 cup Medjool dates
2 tbs raw cacao powder
pinch of salt
1 tbs water
Method
Step 1: Use a food processor to blitz the nuts.
Step 2: Add the Medjool dates and blend again until mixed.
Step 3: Add the cacao and salt, mixing again in the food processor.
Step 4: Slowly add the water a little at a time until you have the right consistency (you may use less or more than the 1 tablespoon) – the balls should stick together, but be easy to roll.
Step 5: Scoop up about a tablespoon of the mixture at a time, rolling each portion into a ball with your hands (if the mixture is sticking to your hands, wet them with a little water first).
Step 6: You can choose to go off-piste here if you like, decorating the balls by rolling them in chia seeds or desiccated coconut. Goji berries can also be added to the mixture prior to rolling.
Step 7: Place the balls in the freezer for about an hour, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
Tasting Notes
Although you could pop a whole bliss ball straight into your mouth, there's always an overwhelming desire to bite through one. And this feeling is the same, whether it’s your first or fifth. Listen to your instincts – biting down into a bliss ball, cutting through the rich, nutty texture and sweet, date-derived moistness, is a sensation indeed.
While your taste buds sing, your mind will struggle with a simple fact: no sugar or butter naughtiness is involved. Often found in cafes and health-minded eateries, these energizing treats are great with an espresso prior to a gym session or as a treat after brunch on a lazy Sunday.
For additional recipes, check our Travel Kitchen page.
