Holiday Recipe: Mint Chip Bliss Balls

I have had the pleasure of working with Elise Museles on a number of articles for Aaptiv, and she continues to inspire me with her creativity! Elise is a certified eating psychology & nutrition expert. Through her company Kale & Chocolate she has helped to change the lives of many women and their food stories. If your are looking for some holiday inspiration this recipe is it!

Photo Cred: Elise Museles

Mint Chip Bliss Balls

Imagine the taste of your favorite childhood flavor, conveniently rolled into a bliss ball. With hints of peppermint and the crunch of cacao nibs, this next level energizing snack or treat will keep your body satisfied and your mind happy all holiday season long!

* Makes 20 bliss balls

Ingredients

1 cup cashews (can use almonds)
¾ cup packed Medjool dates, pitted
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder or raw cacao powder
Pinch of sea salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon peppermint extract (or a few drops of food grade peppermint essential oil)
3 tablespoons cacao nibs
Cocoa powder, raw cacao powder and/or shredded coconut for rolling

Method

Place cashews (or almonds) in a food processor and blend until finely ground but not a powder. Add in the dates, cocoa powder, sea salt, vanilla, and peppermint extract and process until everything is incorporated together. Pulse in the cacao nibs until well-combined. Next, roll into 1-inch balls. (If the mixture is too sticky to handle, place in the freezer for about 15 minutes until firm enough to roll.) Lightly cover each truffle with cocoa powder or coconut. Place the balls in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. Store any remaining treats in an airtight glass container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator or freeze to have on hand always.

TIP:

No matter what you’re eating (healthy or not), take a moment to really enjoy your food. That means sitting down and bringing all your senses to the table, not multitasking or worse worrying about whether you “should” have the treat. When you can be fully present during meals, you are more connected to your body to know when you have had enough and when you’re feeling satisfied. Sometimes a few bites are all you need!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

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