Orange Almond Coconut Bites

Bright tropical flavours rolled together into the perfect
bite-sized snack!

Prep Time: 20 minutes (if using fresh dates)
Makes: Approximately 15 pieces

Main Ingredients:
¾ cup raw almonds
6-8 Medjool dates, pitted and quartered (see photo below) – I use medjool because they tend to stay fresh and are easily blended as are most fresh dates, if fresh dates aren’t available or you have dried dates on hand, soak them for about 30 minutes in hot water before continuing with the recipe
2 tbsp unsweetened shredded coconut – I prefer unsweetened, but use what you have if it’s sweetened, flaked etc.
1 tsp vanilla
1 tbsp chia seeds (optional)
1 ½ tbsp orange zest OR 2 tsp orange oil or extract – this can usually be found in the baking section of your grocery or health food store near the vanilla

Toppings:
2 tbsp unsweetened shredded coconut
2 tbsp finely chopped almonds – do this by hand or add an additional 10 or so almonds to the initial ¾ cup and measure out 2 tbsp before adding the dates to the processor

Method:
In a food processor, chop almonds until fine (see photo below). Add dates, coconut, vanilla and orange zest or extract. Continue processing until all ingredients are incorporated, often the ingredients will come together and form a ball in the processor.

Unplug your food processor and remove the mixture. The mixture should hold together easily when pinched, if not, continue processing for approximately 1 minute. If the mixture is still too dry, add an additional pitted chopped date or two, one at a time, and process. Roll into 1” balls, leave plain or roll in chopped almonds or coconut.

These bites make a great on-the-go snack or a great addition to a packed lunch. They keep for around a week in an airtight container in the fridge. If you are travelling with these, be sure to store them in a hard-sided container to avoid squishing.

Tips & Variations:

• If you don’t like orange as a flavour then mix it up to suit yourself, I suggest sticking with citrus; lemon or lime would work well – be sure to use zest or extract, not juice
• These bites make a nice gift as well, packaged in a tin, in mini muffin papers or lined up and wrapped in cellophane!
• For added decadence drizzle with melted white chocolate