Greetings from the Maine Coast . . . Yep, we just experienced our first freak snowstorm of the year this past weekend! Only got 3 inches, but snow before Halloween is an unwelcome sight, especially when the oak trees are still laden with leaves. I think Mother Nature has something interesting and unusual up her sleeve for winter this year . . . and this storm was her "Halloween Trick". C'est la vie . . . at least we didn't get the 25" plus snowfall amounts that Massachusetts, Vermont, and New Hampshire received! Too early for that indeed.
Today I'll continue with my "whole foods as supplements" blog series and share with you an ever-so-tasty raw candy recipe that will fill you up, satisfy your sweet craving, and give you a boost of much-needed plant-based calcium. I eat these sweet sesame seed balls quite often and take them to parties as "healthy dessert bites" especially during the Holidays as they look like little snowballs. They're so good for you that you can even toss back a couple as you run out the door in the morning and call them breakfast! Most excellent with a cup of coffee or hot chai tea. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.
Sesame Seed Honey Balls
Regular consumption of this mildly sweet, guilt-free, raw candy will lend a glow to your hair, skin, and nails, replenish your core energy reserve, or as the Chinese refer to it . . . your chi, and strengthen your bones. If you tend to have painful menstrual cramps, are constipated, or have restless legs, you will definitely benefit from the fiber-rich seeds and bountiful calcium and magnesium contained within these yummy balls. Here's to your health!
Ingredients:
- 20 small, dried, black Mission figs
- 1 cup raw sesame seeds, hulled or unhulled
- 2 tablespoons raw honey
- pinch of sea salt
- 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut, finely shredded
- 2 tablespooons raw (cacao) or cocoa powder or raw carob powder (optional), but either adds
a wonderful flavor and added minerals
Method:
1. Remove the stems from the figs. Soak the figs for 4 hours in enough purified water to cover by 1 inch. Drain. Chill and reserve the soak water to drink later for a refreshing treat, if you desire.
2. Put the figs, sesame seeds, honey, and salt (and optional cacao or carob powder, if desired) in the food processor and blend for 20 to 30 seconds. Remove the lid and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula. Replace the lid and blend again until a moist, slightly sticky, granular dough forms, about 10 seconds. Repeat the process if needed.
3. Scrape the dough into a medium bowl. Put the coconut in another medium bowl.
4. Pinch off pieces of the dough and roll into balls approximately 1 inch in diameter. Toss the balls into the coconut to coat.
5. Store in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or in the freezer for up to 6 months The chews are delicious eaten right out of the freezer.
Yield: Approximately 25 to 30 balls
A Good Source Of: vitamins B and E, iron, copper, zinc, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, manganese, natural sugars, protein, healthful fat, and fiber
NOTE: This article was written by Stephanie Tourles and adapted from her book, "Raw Energy", Storey Publishing, 2009. The information is true and complete to the best of Stephanie's knowledge. All recommendations are made without guarantee on the part of Ms. Tourles. She disclaims any liability in connection with the use of this information. It is for educational purposes only.
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