Cherry Fudge Balls
These would make a festive healthy treat for the upcoming Christmas holiday and also a special valentines treat. They are easy to throw together if you have some dried fruit and soaked nuts. Soaking can be done a couple days ahead, as drained fruit and nuts will keep in the fridge for about five days in a sealed container. That can save time on the day you want to make everything.
The balls will also keep for several days in the fridge or much longer if frozen. Different fruit and nuts can be substituted to change the flavor profile. Also including a little cinnamon, ginger and cardamom would add a nice Chai flavor.
- 2 cups walnuts, soaked for 4 hours, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup tart dry cherries, soaked for 15 minutes until soft
- 3 dates, pitted and soaked with cherries
- 6 Tbs. of cacao powder
- 2 Tbs coconut sugar, ground fine
- pinch of fresh ground black pepper (optional)
Put 2 Tbs of cacao powder and 1 Tbs of the coconut sugar in a small bowl, add the pepper, stir to mix and set aside. Add the walnuts to a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. add remaining ingredients and process until a dough is formed and the mixture is pretty smooth. If you choose not to soak the nuts, the dough may be dry, so I recommend adding a tablespoon of water to make it more like fudge. Using a tablespoon or scoop, make small balls rolling in your palm and then placing in the powdered cacao, sugar, pepper mixture. Coat each ball with the powder and set in a serving bowl or on a plate. Take a bite, close your eyes and taste deeply!