I call these bite sized little morsels Bliss Balls. They are gluten-free and a healthier version of a Bounty Bar. I don't know about you but I LOVE the combination of coconut and chocolate. This year I was looking for something a little healthier to make for Christmas. I wanted something that wasn't full of processed sugar and flour. These little treats fit the bill and are perfect to give away as a little gift to friends and family during the holidays.
While they still have sugar in them, with the maple syrup and the dark chocolate, they are WAY healthier than the original version. The dark chocolate is full of antioxidants, minerals, and fiber. When it comes to dark chocolate the higher the percentage of cocoa the better so I always try to use a min of 70% dark chocolate. This way I maximize the nutritional value of my treats as much as I can.
The coconut is rich in fiber and loaded with essential vitamins/minerals like potassium, magnesium, and calcium. The added coconut oil is a good source of energy, can boost metabolism, and aids in fat loss when eaten in moderation.
The key here is moderation. Even though these are a healthier version they still contain sugar and are high in fat. While they provide more nutrients, no processed sugar, and are made with a healthier fat you still want to make sure you don't eat the entire batch. I know you'd likely prefer me to tell you that they are super healthy and that you can eat the whole tin BUT my philosophy is all about moderation. I eat healthy majority of the time but definately enjoy to indulge in some bit sized treats every once in a while!!
That being said I must warn you because these little balls of bliss are so yummy that you may be tempted to eat the whole batch once you try them. I know I had to place the container in the back of my fridge so I didn't keep reaching for more. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did!! The recipe makes about 24 little snowballs.
1. Place 1.5 cups of shredded coconut in a food processor. Add 4 tbsp. of coconut oil and blend until it's creamy like butter, scraping off the sides of the bowl as you go.
2. Add the coconut milk, vanilla, maple syrup, and a small pinch of salt and blend together until smooth.
3. Add the remaining coconut and process at high-speed until a dough forms.
4. Roll the mixture into 1″ balls. Note-if the mixture is wet and sticky you can place the batter in the fridge for 20 mins until it stiffens and then roll them into balls.
5. Place the balls in the fridge for 1 hour or overnight.
6. Melt your dark chocolate in a small double boiler on minimal heat for 1-2 mins until melted.
7. Take the coconut balls out of the fridge and dip them in the melted chocolate using a spoon, then place them on parchment paper. Sprinkle some shredded coconut on top while they are still wet and then place them in the fridge for 5-10 mins.
Store these Bliss Balls in the fridge to keep them fresh but serve them at room temperature to enjoy!
I'm a bit of a sucker for Italian food and this soup is one of my favourites. With the colder weather during this time of the year it always makes me want to curl up on the couch and enjoy a nice hot bowl of soup or chili. When I feel like something hearty but a bit lighter than chili (without all the beans) I like to make this healthy Italian turkey burger soup. Don't get me wrong I love beans and I love chili but sometimes I want something just as satisfying that doesn't leave me feeling bloated like chili can.
This soup is packed full of fibre, antioxidants, vitamins C, K, A, E, biotin, beta-carotene, potassium, flavonoids, phytonutrients, and protein. The balance of healthy carbs, protein, and fats make it a great option for lunch or dinner.
I am a big fan of spicy food so I kicked this soup up a notch and added an extra 🌶 pepper. We like things spicy around my house (well at least my husband and I do) so I typically add the spicy pepper at the end. That way I can remove a few bowls of the soup beforehand so the kids can eat it too.
I often double the batch so I can freeze the leftovers. It is always nice having meals frozen in the freezer for those nights you need dinner fast and are scrambling for time. This soup is quick and easy to make and there is nothing I find more satisfying than a hot spicy Italian soup to warm you up on a cold winter evening!!
5-6 fresh tomatoes diced or 1 large can of diced tomatoes.
3. Add onion, garlic, salt and pepper, and sauté until meat is browned and onions are translucent.
4. Put ground turkey in a soup pot.
5. In your frying pan, add the carrots and celery and cook until they are slightly tender. Then add them to the soup pot.
6. Put tomatoes in the frying pan along with the beef broth, tomato paste, and the herbs except the parsley and bring to a boil. Then place them in the soup pot.