Hazelnut Protein Balls 

A healthier way to snack!

Winter can be particularly challenging to maintain a health diet, it’s so tempting to reach for unhealthy comfort foods. Below is an easy, no bake protein ball recipe for you!

INGREDIENTS

• 10 Medjool dates, torn in half, pitted
• 1/2 cup (125ml) hot espresso
• 1/4 cup (60ml) coconut oil, melted
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups (250g) hazelnut meal
• 1 1/4 cups (220g) bukinis (roasted buckwheat from health food stores)
• 1/2 cup (60g) cacao nibs
• 1/2 cup (50g) cacao, plus extra to dust
• 1/3 cup (35g) chocolate protein powder
• 20 whole roasted hazelnuts

METHOD

Combine dates, espresso (or substitute warm water), coconut oil and vanilla in a bowl. Set aside for 10 minutes to soak. Using a stick blender, puree until smooth.

In a large bowl, combine hazelnut meal, bukinis, cacao nibs, cacao and protein powder. Add date puree and a pinch of salt, and stir until sticky and combined.

Line a baking tray with baking paper and grease hands with a little coconut oil. Compress and roll mixture into 20 walnut-sized balls. Make an indent in the centre of each with your thumb, add a whole hazelnut, then reform ball around the hazelnut. Transfer to prepared tray and chill for 30 minutes to firm up. Dust with extra cacao to serve.