Nadia Lim's Choco-nut energy balls

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I always have a stash of these in my fridge. Perfect for the kids lunch-boxes and a super healthy way to satisfy sweet cravings!

1 cup desiccated coconut 

4 tablespoons nut butter e.g. hazelnut, almond, cashew nut or even peanut 

2 tablespoons cacao powder or good quality dark cocoa powder e.g Dutch cocoa 

4 medjool dates pitted (or 6-7 normal dried dates soaked in boiling water for 5 minutes) 

½ cup rolled oats 

pinch of salt 

2 teaspoons tahini 

1½ tablespoons maple syrup (optional)

Place all ingredients in a food processor and blitz until well combined and the mixture holds together well when pressed between your fingers. 

If the mixture is too dry – add a bit more nut butter or a little of the leftover water from soaking the dates. If the mixture is too wet, add a couple more tablespoons of rolled oats. 

Roll tablespoons of mixture into balls and roll in extra coconut. 

Store in an airtight container in the pantry (up to 1 week) or fridge (up to 2 weeks). Alternatively freeze for up to two month 

These are dairy and refined sugar-free. 

To make gluten-free, replace oats with ground almonds.