Wild Orange Chocolate Bliss Balls

So I’ve just realised I have more bliss ball recipes than most things on the blog – oops.  Sorry guys.  I have a little obsession it seems! I promise I will start getting my act together and share some of my fave plant based dishes asap!

Anyway, here’s another go-to morning tea/afternoon tea/anytime of the day really bliss ball recipe.  And seriously, what’s not to love? They’re the perfect little nutrition bombs to replace the health-deminishing processed snacks we know we shouldn’t be eating…

These little guys are full of healthy GOOD fats (yes, fat is good for us) thanks to the nuts, natural sweetness from the dates, and healthy immune supporting qualities from the wild orange.  And they keep you feeling fuller for longer.  Particularly when you compare your eating habits to a block of choc which always has you coming back for more!  These balls are more-ish but in a good, able-to-regulate-yourself kinda way.

Nuts and digestion

If you know you’re going to make these ahead of time, try and soak the nuts.  Doing so helps with overall digestion as the enzyme inhibitors and phytic acid found in nuts (and seeds) is able to be broken down through the soaking process.  Phytic what?  Basically, this is an anti nutrient that can block absorption of precious vitamins and minerals as it binds to minerals in the body (becoming a phytate).  As a result digestibility is hindered which is why some people can feel bloated or gassy after eating raw nuts.  The same goes for grains, which is why it’s important to soak them before cooking.

Unfortunately I’m one of those people that suffers a few of these digestive afflictions!  As such I’m in the process of healing and sealing my gut lining (which I will be sharing more on soon) and this involves being careful to limit my intake of nuts and grains for the short term.

The rule of thumb is to soak 1 cup nuts to 2 cups water for 4-7 hrs.  If I know I will use them the next day I usually just soak them all in one bowl over night with a tea towl covering them.

If you want to take this a step further, you can ACTIVATE them.  This isn’t just a trend or fad, it’s a legitimate way to help boost nutrient content of the nut/seed by activating the “life force” within them which is otherwise dormant.  And for good reason as we don’t really need them to start sprouting and growing inside our pantries!  In ancient times the process was to soak nuts in brine and let them dry out in the warm sun. Nowadays we have the convenience of leaving them in our ovens or dehydrator on a low setting, around 40C, for a few hours or overnight.  If you don’t have time to do this it’s fine!  You can just dry them off with a towl and chuck them into the food processor for this recipe.

Wild Orange Essential Oil

I’ve also added a few drops of high grade Wild Orange essential oil to this recipe, not only for added flavour but for the health properties it shares. Those of you who know me know I’m pretty staunch on the selection of my food ingredients and only use the best i.e. not some crappy oil you might find on the shelves for $10!

This particular oil is far more superior than what you might come across at the shops.

I’ve chosen to partner with doTERRA essential oils because of their effectiveness in my own life (and my family’s) and because they are the safest, purest oils on the market. I love that they’re third party tested and run some serious quality control on their oils unlike a lot of other companies that might say they do.

There are no fillers, synthetics or toxic chemicals added to the oils.  But what I love the most is that the plants are grown and harvested where they thrive naturally – not on a farm in a climate they don’t originally come from. This adds to their efficacy and bioavailability within the body.

Wild orange is one of my absolute fave oils and can be used in so many different ways.  From cleaning your kitchen benches, to improving skin complexion, relieving constipation, aiding digestion, blended with other oils for a toxic free PURE-fume and so much more.  Referred to as the oil of abundance, it is also known to evoke feelings of joy, playfulness, a spirit of giving and encourages us to let go of scarcity mindsets.  Yes please!

Wild orange is harvested from the rind of the orange and like all of the oils are very potent, so you only need a few drops to achieve that zesty flavour.

These bliss balls go wonderfully with peppermint too, which marries sooo well with chocolate!!

In case you’re wondering – yes these oils are safe to ingest and are classed as food grade oils.  BUT as I said, this is dependant on quality and the brand.  Always check the label.  doTERRA’s oils are imported into Australia as a food product, and are in compliance with Australian Laws and regulations.

I’ll be covering more on why doTERRA very soon.

Ingredients

(Choose certified organic where possible)

• 1 cup macadamias

• 3/4 cup cashews

• 1/4 cup almonds

• 1/4 cup buckinis (activated buckwheat)

• 3/4 cup raw cacao powder

• 1/4 cup shredded coconut

• 1 cup (approx 10) medjool dates

• 2 tsp coconut oil

• 6 drops wild orange essential oil (or to taste – start with 4)

• 1 Tbs filtered water (optional)

Method

1. Grind the nuts and buckinis until they resemble a crumb mixture

2. Add cacao and shredded coconut.  Blitz for a few seconds.

3. Add dates, coconut oil and continue processing.

4. While this is processing, add a few drops of the wild orange through the lid opening.

5. Stop once the mixture starts to come together and taste.  Add a few more drops of oil if you need.

6. Continue to blitz until mixture starts to form into a big ball.  Add a little water if still a bit dry.

7. Once the mixture is smooth and has come together, use a teaspoon to roll out the mix into balls.

8. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.