Super Sweet, Iron Rich Apricot Bliss Balls

Recipe Created by: @wearegardenofvegan
Images by: @wearegardenofvegan

Easy to prepare and deliciously sweet! Packed full of plant based micronutrients!

Ladies, this is a great treat when you are craving something sweet during your Luteal Phase or Menstruation Phase. These Apricot Bliss Balls are high in antioxidants and are a great source of plant-based Iron, Magnesium, Potassium, Vitamin A and Vitamin K.

Perfect for lunchboxes, after dinner munchies, pre and post workout treats or just to carry on you whenever you need a pick me up. They are even great to be given as gifts or taken to your festive gatherings this christmas season.

One thing we love about the festive season is knowing that stone fruit season is approaching. That means we get to welcome all those delicious stone fruit varieties including nectarine, peach, plumb, apricot, lychee, mango and cherries.

According to Dr Axe, stone fruits are high in antioxidants, they promote digestive health, support bone health, strengthen immune function, improve vision, boost weight loss and so much more!

They do say you are what you eat, so why not make these super nutrient-dense treats each week, rather than opting for that nutrient-less junk food snack.

Made from all raw ingredients.
No cooking required!
All you need is your blender or food processor of choice and 20 minutes.
It really is that simple.

Made from 100% wholefoods, this treat is bursting with health benefits that will keep you feeling satisfied whilst nourishing your cells.

Apricots --

Apricots are considered a nutrient dense food as they have many health promoting properties. They are a great source of Fibre, Vitamin A, Vitamin C and contain good amounts of Iron.

According to Dr Axe, some health benefits of consuming apricots may include;

• Protection of the liver
• High amounts of antioxidants, protecting against free radicals and preventing damage to cells
• Reduces inflammation due to the potent antiinflammatory properties of the fruit and the seed
• Supports regularity as they are loaded with natural fibre
• Promotes eye health due to the high amounts of Vitamin A present
  

Pumpkin Seeds --

Pumpkin seeds are a great source of many macro and micronutrients.
According to Dr Axe, in Traditional Chinese Medicine and on an Ayurvedic diet, they have been said to help nourish the blood, are alkalising, act as a natural diuretic, treat parasitic infection or stomach pains and even support lactating women.

Some health benefits of eating pumpkin seeds include;

• High disease fighting antioxidant levels
• Boosts heart health
• Stabilises blood sugar levels
• Supports good sleep quality
• Improves male fertility
• Helps to fight cancer cell growth

And so much more…

They are high in Iron, Manganese, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Copper, Vitamin K, Zinc and Potassium.

These Apricot bliss balls are naturally sweetened with Medjool Dates, which means no added processed sugars or unnatural flavours. So no crash and burn or mood swings.

Medjool dates, also known as the healthiest natural sweetener, are packed full of fibre, vitamins and minerals, boasting remarkable health benefits.

Tahini --

Tahini is a paste made from sesame seeds. Sesame seeds are rich in essential nutrients, helping to lower cholesterol and blood pressure, balance hormones, fight cancer cell growth, boost fat burning and enhance nutrient absorption. They are also a great source of Iron, Manganese, Vitamin B6 and contain heart-healthy fats.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 0

Total time: 20 minutes

Serving size: 20-30 bliss balls depending on how large you form the balls

Course: Dessert, Snack, Afternoon Tea, Morning tea

Health and Dietary requirements: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Plant-based, Dairy Free, Oil Free, Refined Sugar Free, Naturally Sweetened, Plant-based, Wholefoods, Peanut Free, Egg Free, Soy Free

Storage: Fridge or freezer

Date: Consume within 14 days. Keep Refrigerated.

Ingredients
Metric

Ingredients

1 cup of Dried Apricot

3 fresh Apricots pitted (optional if in season)

⅔ cup Desiccated Coconut

1 tbs Pumpkin Seeds

1 tbs tahini (we recommend white unhulled)

½ cup of Nut Meal of choice. We suggest Cashews but Almonds also work

2 heaped tbs of Maple Syrup or 5 pitted Medjool Dates

1 tsp of Vanilla Extract or scrap half of a Vanilla Bean Pod

1 tbs of Orange Zest

Splash of orange juice (add as desired to get your perfect consistency)

Optional extras

2 tablespoons of BeHumane Smoothie Booster.

BeHumane Smoothie Booster is an organic, wholefood plant-based supplement containing Vitamin D3 from lichen, Iodine from kelp powder, Omega 3's from flaxseed, and is fortified with Vitamin B12.

A great way to boost your bliss balls with this super plant-based supplement.

Instructions

1. Ensure that the 1 cup of dried apricots is packed in nice and tightly. You may even want to chuck in a few extras.
2. For the nut meal, blend your chosen nuts in a blender first, to make it into a flour-like consistency.
3. Combine all ingredients into a blender, and blend on medium-high pending on the consistency you are after.
4. The consistency of the bliss balls is completely up to you, so start low and process higher as you desire. We love having small chunks of date and apricot visible, so we blend on medium.
   If the mixture is too sticky or dry, add more freshly squeezed orange juice as desired.
5. Empty mixture out of blender and start forming small bite sized balls. Roll with your hands.
6. Feel free to roll the finished product in desiccated coconut for them to look that extra bit special.
7. Refridgerate for a few hours before eating. And then, ENJOY!
8. Store them in an airtight container or food pouch in the fridge for up to 7-10 days.

Can I freeze these bliss balls?

Yes!
The best thing about this recipe is that it can be frozen in a freezer safe container or pouch.

Can I substitute any ingredients?

Yes.
You can substitute nut meal for blended oats.
Orange juice and zest for lemon, grapefruit or even water.
Maple and dates can be substituted for each other.
Get creative and do share your variations with us @wearegardenofvegan

Can I use other dates instead of Medjool Dates?

Yes, you can. We just find the gooey consistency of medjool dates to be the best to work with and the richest in taste.

You could even substitute dates completely for prunes.

What if my mixture is too wet or dry? What should I do?

If it's too dry, add a splash of water or some citrus juice.
If too wet, add some more nut meal or desiccated coconut.

What about if I want them to be nut free?

Substitute the nuts for oats. Just ensure you blend the oats to make an oat flour first before combining all ingredients.

Pumpkin Seed Nutrtion Facts - Here

Apricot Nutrition Facts - Here

Stone Fruit Nutrition Facts - Here

Sesame Seeds Nutrition Facts - Here