Deceptively Healthy Snack 1: German Chocolate Fudge Balls

This is the second Deceptively Healthy Snack (counting the Cheese Its), but this is far more healthy than that and exceptionally more deceptive.

The Recipe: German Chocolate Fudge Balls 

• 1/2 cup Pitted Dates
• 1/2 cup Pecans
• 2 tbsp Coconut Shreds
• 2 tbsp Cocoa Powder
• 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract

                                                          The Process:

• Using a magic bullet, slowly mash the dates, de-clogging it when it stops mixing 
• Next, add the coconut shreds and mix again
• Cut the pecan slices into smaller pieces before adding and mixing
• Add the vanilla extract and cocoa powder and mix
• Cover a pan with wax paper
• Make the batter into small truffles 
• Roll in cocoa powder, if desired
• Refrigerate/freeze until balls harden
• Try to stop eating ;) 

The Calories:

1/2 cup of dates has 110 calories, the coconut shreds have 71 calories, the pecans have 373 calories, the cocoa powder has 25 calories, and the vanilla extract has 6 calories. The recipe makes about 18 truffles, so each one has 32.5 calories. This may sound like a lot, but a Lindt truffle for instance has 90 calories, and none of the health benefits of pecans or dates. 

Health Benefits of Pecans and Dates: 

• http://www.ilovepecans.org/nutrition.html
• http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/fruit/health-benefits-of-dates.html

What Went Right: 

The balls turned out great and didn't take too long to do in the magic bullet. I love that they're no-bake and very healthy. They definitely don't taste like dates at all! (Good and bad...I coaxed my brother into trying them and he liked...shhh ;) ) 

What Went Wrong:

Originally, I made one batch and realized that I hadn't mashed the dates enough and possibly made them in the wrong order for ideal truffle form, by adding the pecans last. I also hadn't chopped the pecans before adding them, which is very necessary for keeping the mixture together. The second batch is much smoother, although they both taste fantastic, and forms balls more easily.

I will for sure be making this in college!!!!