Coconut Date Balls

Coconut Date Balls

• 1 1/2 cups pitted dates or 1 cup date paste
• 1/2 cup coconut spread or coconut butter
• 3 Tbsp coconut oil
• 1/4 cup finely shredded dried coconut, plus more for rolling the balls in
• zest of 1 lemon or small orange (optional)

1. In a food processor, process the date paste or dates for a few seconds or a minute or so. If you are using dates, they should be processed into a chunky paste.
2. Add the coconut spread and zest (if using) and pulse a few time s until the ingredients are well mixed.
3. Melt 1 Tbsp coconut oil in a small pan. Then start the processor and pour the melted oil in through the top while the processor is running.
4. Add the dried coconut and process for 5-10 more seconds.
5. To roll the balls, pick up a very small handful of paste and press it into your hands. It should stick together. Then take the paste and press and roll it into a little ball, about 1 inch in diameter. Put the balls on a plate as you roll them.
6. When you have finished rolling all the balls, melt the 2 remaining Tbsp of coconut oil and remove from the heat.
7. Now, take each ball and drop it into the melted coconut oil, then immerse it into the coconut flakes. This can easily be done by putting the coconut flakes into a bag and gently shaking. Continue this process until all balls have been rolled into the coconut flakes.
8. Store them in a cool place.