My favorite "Cookie" Bites

I know....it's been how long since I've posted....?!   Yes. October...you read the threads right. October.

 

You see, this little thing called Life happened (as a colleague nicely puts it).    I know many of you that are in the same boat. When someone asks you, "what's new in your life?" And you respond,"Ehhh. Not much. Same old. Same old...you know. Just Life."

 

And that's just it.  She was right.  I shouldn't feel guilty about not being able to keep up to 100% in every facet of my life.  Life, although at times seems like the "same old dang thing", is constantly happening. Forever dynamic. Always keeping us on our toes.   And priorities change day by day.  Let's face it. Most of us have others-big or small--in our lives in which their business is our business too.  And that means your life AND your their life keep you moving. So, if you're wondering why I haven't posted anything in awhile, it's because Life happened.  There :)

 

BUT this post.....You are in for a treat.  No really. Not kidding.  When I made this recipe, I had selfishly wanted something sweet for myself that I could have as a treat (when three pairs of blue little eyes weren't looking!).   These are made with a base of dates and walnuts, with some add-ins of other dried fruit, and a little cacao and freeze-dried raspberries (thank you Trader Joe's for carrying these in your store....and thank you Fate for introducing them to me.  Delicious...yes siree.).  Not only did I end up with an amazing little ball of delicious, but I happened to intrigue the kids a bit too with these oddly shaped balls of yumminess once they finally caught a glimpse of them.  Turns out, I'm not very sneaky.

 

Here's the low-down on what you'll need.  The ingredients can be tweaked.  It's mainly the consistency that is important.  You're looking for the "dough" to be sticky, yet moldable. And experiment with different shapes.  Pat them into cookie shapes.  Pat flat and use small cookie cutters to tailor this treat to the occasion.  Little hearts on valentines, leaves for fall.  The options are endless. 

 

Ingredients:

10 medjool dates (pit removed)

1/4 cup shredded unsweetened coconut

1/4 cup walnuts

1/4 cup craisins

4 cacao beans

1/8 cup freeze dried raspberries or blueberries (optional)

1/4cup whole oats (not quick oats) or buckwheat groats (optional)

1 TB water

 

Add the pitted dates to the food processor and pulse until they have broken down and are a bit mushy.  Add the craisins, walnuts, cacao beans, and freeze dried raspberries (or blueberries), oats or buckwheat if using.  Pulse until it all crumbly.  Add in the water and pulse again until it forms a sticky dough.  Roll it into balls and keep in the refridgerator or freezer.  This will make about a dozen 1 inch "cookie" balls. These will fit into a gluten-free (if using oats, make sure to use certified gluten-free oats) and vegan diet.  The buckwheat groats and cacao beans give these little bites a fantastic crunch!  Play around with the ingredients and find a new combo that suits you.  Try dried apricots instead of craisins, or even dried papaya.  A little coconut milk instead of the water.  Maybe some dark chocolate bits? Hmmmm...Must try.  Whatever you do, just experiment and don't be afraid of something new :)

 



Before pulsing in the food processor...



 




After pulsing.  Look for a crumbly texture.  Then add the water to pull it all togther.





marvelous.





These are a great way to have little hands add ingredients and roll into balls.  Fabulous sensory practice..... I know two little boys who love them!