Snack balls, often called bliss balls, are fairly easy to come by. However, ready-made balls are expensive! 
Make them at home and you have a simple, comparably affordable, and nutritious snack to keep you going.
I have posted two recipes for this type of thing previously, which you can read via these links (date-free balls and low FODMAP power balls). They are focused on low FODMAP, date-free ingredients.
Today I have for you one nutty chocolate recipe, and one for crunchy, date balls.
Nutty choc balls
Ingredients:
2/3 cup almond meal
2/3 cup hazelnut meal
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons cacao
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1 cup almond butter
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
6 tablespoons maple syrup
Optional toppings:
Brown or coconut sugar combined with cinnamon, crushed hazelnuts or almonds – or other nuts of choice, cacao, and/or desiccated coconut
Method:
- Add all the ingredients into a large bowl (apart from the optional coatings)
- Mix the ingredients together and stir until well combined and smooth
- Taste test, and adjust until you get your preferred taste and a thick consistency – not runny but not dry
- Scoop out a desired amount and roll into a ball between your palms. If the mix is too soft and sticky to roll, pop in the fridge for 10-15 mins until it becomes firmer. Repeat until all the mixture is used up
- Lightly roll the balls in your choice of topping, or leave as is
- Keep in a sealed container in the fridge
Crunchy date balls
Ingredients:
1 cup dates
2 tablespoons desiccated coconut
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons hazelnut meal
3 tablespoons almond meal
2 tablespoons maple syrup
2 tablespoons sunflower/nut butter
200g chocolate (I used Lindt 70% dark chocolate)
1/4 cup buckwheat groats/ crushed nuts
Method:
- Soak dates in water for half an hour
- Drain the dates and add to a food processor along with vanilla, nut meal, sunflower/nut butter and maple syrup
- Stir in coconut
- Scoop out a desired amount and roll into a ball between your palms. If the mix is too soft and sticky to roll, pop in the fridge for 10-15 mins until it becomes firmer. Repeat until all the mixture is used up
- Put in fridge until firm
- Melt chocolate
- Dip balls in chocolate and sprinkle with buckwheat groats or crushed nuts
- Place on a plate lined with baking paper
- Refrigerate or freeze until set
Happy rolling (and eating)!
