What do we like to snack on around here? And no, it’s not store-bought chips and cookies! Well, honestly, the kids do sometimes get their hands on those and I’ve been known to sneak a bite too…Uh Oh! Don’t you just love that expression? It is my 1 year olds favorite thing to say and I find it so cute, I just can’t resist throwing it out there all the time too! But, seriously, that’s okay if my kids eat unhealthy snacks sometimes, we try and follow a 90/10 rule around here and it definitely works for us. I have so many other things to worry about than…gulp…watching my kids devour a hydrogenated-oil filled Girl Scout cookie. Coming up with a healthy alternative to a Samoa is on my list btw! Oh yeah! I am always making super nutritious snacks around here and offering them to my kids. My kids have developed a preferred liking to what I make. That makes me extremely proud when I see my kids choose the fruits, veggies and healthy snacks over the ‘bad’ stuff.
I adapted these truffles from the Date Nut Pop’ems recipe in Dr. Joel Fuhrman’s Disease-Proof Your Child. There are so many variations to making these, but since I am quinoa crazy lately, I thought why not try it out in these. The creamy, crunchy texture of the quinoa makes an irresistible combination with the chocolaty nuttiness of these truffles.
Another nutrient-rich and delish snack your whole family will love. Have the kids help make these too! Oh what fun!
Quinoa Date Nut Truffles
Makes: About 20 Truffles
Time: 10-15 minutes
Equipment: Food Processor
Ingredients:
1/3 cup chopped dates (pitted)
¼ cup raw pecans
1 tbsp raw cashew butter
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 tbsp date syrup
¼ tsp cinnamon
2 tbsp clementine juice
1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup cooked and chilled quinoa (cooked dry and on the crunchy side)
Unsweetened shredded coconut or ground nuts of your choice for coating the truffles
Directions:
Add all ingredients to a food processor and blend until well combined.
Remove from processor and place in a bowl. Place coatings of your choice on a plate. Remove about a tablespoon of mixture at a time and make into bite-sized balls. Roll each ball in coating and place on parchment-lined baking tray. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Store these in a refrigerator for a week, but they probably won’t last that long!
Happy healthy eating! ENJOY!
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Looks like something I'd really like to try. Question: How do you "dry cook" the quinoa? Is this the same as toasting? Not sure how to accomplish this part of the recipe, but can't wait to give it a try. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea to cut down the nuts!
ReplyDeleteI just cook the quinoa on the stove uncovered on slightly higher heat than the package states...and stir often to get the liguid out so I get a drier, crunchier quinoa...I like it that way..does that help? =)
ReplyDeleteWe are always looking for alternative snack ideas, but most are not healthy. As you said Uh Oh! it happens, but this option makes it easier to snack healthy.
ReplyDeleteI made these today with my kids and they came out great! So yummy, we are adding it to our weekly snack list. Thanks for this healthy alternative!
ReplyDeleteThese look yummy. I love quinoa and think it's a great addition here. :-)
ReplyDeleteThese were great. I rolled mine in ground up raw cashews. Next time I will double the recipe and do an assortment of coatings.
ReplyDeleteLove your site. I always know everything I get from here will be a hit. I'd like to see what a weekly dinner menu at your house looks like.
Thanks!
Thank you Melissa =) Glad the recipes worked out well for you. Eventually I would love to get some menu planning up here, it will come =) Thanks again!
ReplyDeleteI want to try EVERYTHING on your blog!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jenne, I love your blog to, I'm going to follow =) Let me know how you like the recipes and I am looking forward to trying yours!
ReplyDeleteJen =)