Nutella Protein Balls

I really shouldn't brag about my balls ;)  ...  But i will!

Chocolate and hazelnut are a match made in heaven, I don't know about you, but Nutella  never lasts long in our house.  In fact, at one point my husband, brother in law and I each had our own labeled jar of Nutella in the pantry (addicts, clearly!)

Here is a guilt-free solution to kicking those cravings to the curb...

Ingredients:

• 300 g toasted hazelnuts 

• 3 tablespoons raw cacao

• 1 cup desiccated coconut

• 2 cups dates

• 2 teaspoons vanilla

Method:

1.  Gently roast hazelnuts (This brings out a much better flavor) - preheat oven to 180 degrees.

In a single layer of a baking pan, gently roast for 10-15 mins, or until lightly colored and skins are blistered.  

2.  Cool slightly and wrap in a clean tea towel.  

3.  Rub gently to remove skins (it doesn't have to be perfect!)

4.  Toss into a food processor and process until it becomes almost like a paste.

5.  Add pitted dates, cacao, vanilla and coconut and a pinch of pink salt.  

6.  Process until smooth.

7.  Get your hands dirty and start rolling!  Roll into balls and store in refrigerator.  (Tip: Wet hands will prevent the mixture from sticking)

8.  Enjoy on your own so you don't have to share ;)

Peace, love and cupcakes, 

Sue-Ellen xoxo