I have always enjoyed (and needed) by mid morning and mid afternoon, a snack, to keep full and on an even keel (keep away the hangeries). Generally eating a ‘healthy’ diet, this would consist of a piece of fruit, nuts or wholemeal cracker with chutney and cheese. When I was diagnosed with high thyroid antibodies, I chose to modify my lifestyle and try an Autoimmune Paleo eating plan, to try and reduce my antibodies. Because of this, my biggest challenge became a healthy replacement to my normal snacks.
Lucky for me, when I began my new eating plan, there were a lot of recipes for ‘Bliss’ balls on the internet, etc. Some of them need to be refrigerated, which is less convenient when you’re out and about, so I came up with one that didn’t require refrigeration.
These Coconut & Ginger balls became my go-to-snack while I went through the elimination phase of the Autoimmune Paleo diet. I never left home without a jar in my bag – you may laugh – but they were a great go-to for myself or the kids, and could be handed around to others who very much enjoyed the surprise treat.
Ingredients:
4 Cups of coconut flakes
2 Cups of pitted dates
1 Tablespoon of fresh peeled ginger root (personally, I like a bit more, but at this amount my children eat them without hesitation)
Directions:
Turn oven onto 180oC.
Place all three ingredients into a food processor.
Combine until mixture is well blended and will hold a ball shape. This will take a few minutes.
Take a teaspoon of the mixture and press together to see if it will hold a ball shape, if not add 1-2 teaspoons of water - blend, and test again.
Roll mixture into balls (about the size of a ping pong ball) and place onto a baking tray.
Bake at 180oC for 10-15 mins (depending on how crisp you like the outside)
Cool, and store in an airtight jar.
Prep Time: 10 mins, yields approx. 20 balls
Notes:
While using your food processor for this recipe, you may, hear a clunking noise. If this occurs, you may have a date pit in your mixture. I have found the easiest thing to do is pour the ingredients out onto a tray, find the culprit, and then pour the mixture back into food processor bowl.
Sometimes, I make these earlier in the day, place them on a tray, and leave them until I turn the oven on for the evening meal and bake them then.
Photograph by:
Rediscovery Your Wellness - Sheryl Cook, 2015
Coconut & Ginger Balls
by Sheryl Cook
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celsious to fahrenheit chart
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