Recipe: Good for the heart, good for the soul

Over the last 3 weeks I have flirted with becoming a vegetarian, and am proud to say I have managed to get through without a morsel of meat passing through my lips in that time.  Oh oops, memory lapse, I did slip up last week and had a burger - with meat eek- although I did make the conscience choice  to ask for no bacon!!!  

But that's 25 days or so of no meat! Laura is having a positive influence on me, or really the book she loaned me (while she was travelling the world) - The Kind Diet by Alicia Silverstone!

As part of these  lifestyle changes  I have also made an effort to cut down on sugar as well and have replaced it with natural alternatives. My cupboard is now filled with an array of products I didn't know existed a few short months ago. My favourite weekend activity is now visiting Health Food Stores/Organic grocers to look out for new products... How my life has changed in 3 weeks. I am laying low on the coffee too (ho hum) but only as a temporary measure until I'm feeling a little better. 

I have been struggling to find inspirational vegetarian savoury meals to cook, but of course I was keen to try anything that was in the desserts section ...There were plenty of tempting healthy (and sugar free ) options, better try them before I judge.. and I am happy to report I found a recipe that is simple, easy, delicious and Darby and I both love them..... Plus as an added bonus, I have replaced these for chocolate, so that's got to be doing my heart and cholesterol a favour!

I was introduced to "Date balls"  at a cooking demo I ran at work,  The recipe is  really adaptable so I have altered the recipe to what I have at home and what I like (as there are a number of  versions around)  Each time it seems to be bit different depending on what ingredients I have on hand.... Sometimes they have heaps of ingredients and other times it is a lot more simple! All I know is they have been fantastic for my sweet cravings and afternoon crashes and have done wonders to my skin and hair, not too mention fibre and adding good fat in my diet - its just hard to stop at 1 or 2 balls. 

Date Balls: 
(Apologies in advance for my more than average pictures - when I have my new iPhone4S I hope to be able to take much better ones!!) This recipes makes about 15 medium size balls!!! 
8-12 Fresh Dates (from the fresh fruit and veg section in the supermarket) 
1/4 cup of Sunflower Seeds
1/4 cup of Pumpkin Seeds
1/2 cup of Raw Almonds
2 Tablespoons of Raw Cacao
Handful of Dark chocolate chips (depending on like) 
2- 3 Tablespoons of Maple Syrup
1-2 Tablespoons of Almond/Cashew butter (Peanut butter if you don't have either)
2 Teaspoons of Chia Seeds
2 Teaspoons of Sesame seeds
1 Teaspoon of Flaxseed oil 
1 Cup of Shredded or dessicated  coconut (depending on what texture you would like)
Sea Salt/Vanilla Extract Optional depending on taste.

Ok so you will need one of those little bullet, mini food processor things.. I picked mine up from Kmart for $15 - already money well spent!!! 

Firstly put in the sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds and blitz for 5 seconds, then add dates (make sure you remove the big pips in the middle!) cacao powder, choc chips, maple syrup, Chia, Sesame Seeds, Flaxseed Oil, Almond Butter and almonds - I add salt here as I am addicted to the sweet salty taste (and I have low sodium levels, so any excuse!) The mixture should take on a pasty, thick  consistency. Roll into small, medium or large balls and roll in the coconut. Stick into some zip lock bags and into the freezer! 
Wait until they are chilled and Enjoy!!! 
These babies don't last long in our house!!!!

Date Balls -  The finished product 

Ready for the freezer!