One of the easiest ways to create healthy treats for holidays is through bliss balls or protein balls. They are so simple, quick and quick to throw together. Plus, you can decorate them to suite any holiday theme. These raspberry coconut bites are a great choice for Valentine's Day. I decorated mine with a simple conversation heart, but you could also roll in Valentine's sprinkles if you prefer.
I like to use whole almonds, but only had sliced almonds on hand. No problem! Everything gets thrown into the food processor. This Cuisinart has been my go to for...I'm not even sure how long? A really long time. I remember it being one of my first major purchases as a married woman. It is a workhorse!
I love oats in mine, and like to use it for bulk as it is really cheap. It can be expensive to make these bliss balls if not.
Maple syrup or honey is my sweetener of choice.
I also love using dates for a sweetener and also a binder. Remember if they are not pitted, so pull those out.
For my fruit flavor, I just love to use freeze-dried berries. For this one I used raspberries, but you can use any berry you like. I bought these at Target, but most grocery stores have them as well.
I used an unsweetened coconut as I was trying to avoid an extra sugar.
It comes together so quickly because the food processor does all the hard work. Throw it in and pulse until everything is evenly distributed.
They are high in calories, I know, I know, it is all good stuff. It is still high in calories, so I like to make these smaller. I use my small cookie scoop for the job.
Then to make sure they are pretty and round, I will roll them in my hands.
I decorated them with a single conversation heart. Minimalistic, right?
Make sure and place the heart on when they are first rolled. At this point they are a little sticky.
If you don't get the decoration on right away, not a problem. Add a dab of water to the ball and then press on the conversation heart.
If you prefer to go full blown Valentine's, roll the balls in Valentine's sprinkles. That is pretty cute as well. Just make sure and press firmly while you the are still tacky.
Raspberry Coconut Bites
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups almonds You can use sliced or whole.
- 2 cups regular oats
- 1 cup pitted dates
- 1 cup freeze dried raspberries
- ⅔ cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut
- Valentine's Decor
Instructions
- Throw all ingredients, minus decorations into food processor. Pulse until they are well blended. Mine took about 20 seconds. Scoop with a portion scoop or spoon of choice. Size really is a personal preference. I prefer a smaller size, but that is again, a personal preference. I like to roll mine to round them better. If you don't want to do to, no big deal.Next, decorate them as desired. I liked the minimalist approach with a single conversation heart. Now, sit back and enjoy. You deserve it!