Healthy, Blueberry, Coconut Balls
Servings: 20–25 coconut balls
Preparation Time: 20–30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup or 5 soft Mejool dates, pitted
- 1/2 cup or 5 figs, cut the stem and gently open like a flower
- 4 tablespoons organic unsweetened natural cocoa powder
- 1 or 2 tablespoons almond butter
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 4 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup organic fresh or unthawed frozen wild blueberries
- 2 cups unsweetened coconut, shredded or flakes
- 3 or 4 tablespoons Virgin Coconut Oil
Optional: Additional unsweetened shredded coconut or coconut flakes to roll the balls in.
Directions:
Place all ingredients except blueberries, coconut oil, and flakes/shredded coconut in a food processor and blend until smooth. If you do not have a food processor, cut dates and figs into little pieces with a knife and mix together with the other ingredients.
Add blueberries and flakes/shredded coconut in a food processor and mix on low, just a little, until blended. Pour Virgin Coconut Oil and blend on low for another 10 seconds.
Remove from food processor and roll into 1 1/2-inch balls. Roll in extra shredded coconut if you desire.
Refrigerate for 30 minutes before eating.
Sometimes when I do not have time, I just spread all the mixture 1/2 inch thick on a plate and cut into inch by inch pieces after refrigeration.
Enjoy!
Note: I created this recipe to decrease the glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) of the fruits in order to minimize insulin increase (GI) and to keep the carbohydrate intake low (GL).
- Dates: GI – 103; GL – 42.
- Figs: GI – 61; GL – 16. (Figs offer a better choice than dates.)
- Blueberries: GI – 40; GL – 3. Moreover, berries have the highest ORAC ratings per 100 grams among fruits for antioxidant level.
Recipe and photo submitted by Galina, Hudson, NH.
