Most raw food treats use nuts in abundance, but as a group seeds actually have even more nutrients than nuts. And they’re cheaper. Besides, my youngest daughter, Ray, is allergic to tree nuts. Since she’s started school outside of our home (sad face), I’ve been scrambling to make treats she can take with her so she won’t be tempted to hit the vending machines.
This super easy raw food recipe is kid-approved. And one or two little spheres of seed goodness should be enough to satisfy your chocolate cravings. Ray suggests doubling the recipe though. Her idea of a serving is more like three or four spheres.
NOTE: I used soaked and dehydrated pumpkin and sunflower seeds, but if you don’t have a dehydrator, plain raw seeds will probably work, too.
NOTE: I used raw cacao, cuz that’s what I have in the pantry. But there’s an argument to be made that the benefits of cacao are more available when it’s roasted. Use what you think is best.
SPICY CHOCOLATE SEED SPHERES | EASY (NUT-FREE) RAW FOOD RECIPE
Feel free to adjust or leave out the spices, depending on your taste. We like it spicy.
Makes: About 16 Seed Spheres
Prep Time: 10 to 15 minutes
WHAT YOU NEED:
3/4 cup soaked and dehydrated pumpkin seeds
1/4 cup soaked and dehydrated sunflower seeds
1/2 packed cup pitted medjool dates
1/4 raw cacao powder (or cocoa powder)
3 to 4 tablespoons raw sweetener, such as coconut nectar, agave, or honey
1 teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
2 to 3 tablespoons chia seeds (optional)
WHAT TO DO:
In a food processor with the s-blade, grind the pumpkin and sunflower seeds until they become a fairly fine flour. It may take a minute or two. Just check it periodically.
Add the dates, cacao, sweetener, vanilla, cayenne, and cinnamon. Process just until well blended. The ingredients may form a dough ball in the processor.
Scoop 1 tablespoon at a time of the mixture and form it into ball shapes. If the dough sticks to your spoon, you can use a little coconut oil to make the dough release more easily. Roll each ball in the chia seeds, if you’re using them. The spheres can be slightly sticky without it, but no big deal either way.
Store in the refrigerator. The seed spheres travel just fine in a sturdy food container. They go great with a plate of fresh fruit.
Nut-Free Kid Approved!
Live the difference!
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I tried these. They taste AMAZING!!!
And quite filling too. Two very important qualities for a person like me who really likes dessert. Oh, they are supposed to be a dessert, right?
Dessert? Sure. Or have a few for breakfast with a bowl of fresh fruit. I won’t tell!
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