Coconut Snowballs

Having cravings for something sweet with all the holiday parties but don't want the sugar crash? The other day while working with a client on a blood sugar regulation, we discussed the holidays and the temptations all around us. Parties, snacks at the office, cookie baking . . . you name it! We tossed around a few ideas and ingredients. I decided to challenge myself to develop a recipe that would not only help with sugar cravings but also provide good fats and minerals for energy regulation. And here we are - the Coconut Snowball! Made with coconut butter, coconut oil, crispy almonds, raw cacao and a hint of vanilla and cinnamon, these snowballs not only look great, but taste dreamy. They are naturally raw, paleo and vegan. Hope you enjoy them as a special treat!

Coconut Snowballs

From the kitchen of Heather Page, Healthy Decadence

Makes 15-18 1 1/2: bites

3/4 c. crispy almonds (soaked and dried in a dehydrator)

3/4 c. coconut butter

2 T. coconut oil, melted

1/2 t. vanilla

1/8 t. cinnamon

1/8 t. salt

2 T. raw cacao nibs

1/2 c. organic dried coconut flakes

1. Process coconut flakes in food processor until coarsely chopped (about 5-10 seconds). Set aside in a small bowl.

2. Place almonds in food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped, with no large pieces, about 20-40 pulses).

3. Add coconut butter, coconut oil, vanilla, cinnamon and salt and mix until incorporated.

4. Add cacao nibs and pulse about 5-10 times to mix in.

5. Roll mixture into 1 1/2" balls and then roll in coconut flakes. Can be served immediately or chilled in refrigerator in an air tight container.