Sweet snacks that are healthy too

When you’re hungry for a snack, sometimes a piece of fruit just doesn’t cut it. So next time you’re in need of a quick mid-morning or early afternoon pick-me-up, consider whipping up one of these healthy, nutritious and, most of all, delicious snacks instead.

Image credit: A Happy Little Place.

Raw bliss balls

These tasty treats will satisfy your sugar cravings and they make the perfect snack for kids and grown-ups alike. They’re not called bliss balls for nothing…

Recipe adapted from A Happy Little Place.

Serves 20

Ingredients:

• 1 cup almonds
• 1 cup de-seeded dates
• 1 cup sultanas
• 1 cup desiccated coconut
• 2 tablespoons cacao powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla essence

Directions:

1. Place all of the ingredients in a food processor and whiz until well combined.
2. Spoon out mixture one tablespoon at a time and roll into balls. Roll each ball in coconut.
3. Refrigerate and enjoy as a snack straight from the fridge.

Image credit: www.cookingquinoa.net.

Chocolate quinoa trail mix

Trail mix has long been hailed as a healthy and nutritious snack, but with this recipe, the standard mix has been given a delicious makeover.

Recipe adapted from www.cookingquinoa.net.

Serves 16

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa
• 1 cup toasted muesli
• 1 cup cashews
• 1 cup almonds
• 1 cup dried cherries
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1-1/2 cups chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions:

1. Line two cookie trays with baking paper and set aside.
2. Heat a frying pan to medium and add olive oil.
3. Add rinsed quinoa and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring often, until quinoa begins to turn golden brown. Remove from frying pan and set aside in a small bowl.
4. Melt chocolate in the microwave on high for 90 seconds or so, or using a double boiler on the stove. Stir salt into the melted chocolate.
5. Pour half of the melted chocolate over the quinoa.
6. In a separate bowl, pour the remainder of the chocolate over the toasted muesli.
7. Stir each bowl until all the pieces are covered and transfer to the baking trays.
8. Refrigerate until set. Break into bite-sized chunks and place into a large bowl. Add cashews, almonds, cherries and cranberries and mix until combined, and enjoy as a tasty and healthy snack! Also delicious when sprinkled over cereal or served with yoghurt.

Image credit: www.wholefoodsimply.com

Fudge slice

Craving a chocolate treat, but want to avoid high-fat packaged sweets? This rich and decadent slice should do the trick!

Recipe adapted from www.wholefoodsimply.com

Serves 20

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Brazil nuts
• 1 cup medjool dates, firmly packed
• 1 large banana
• 1/4 cup goji berries
• 3 tablespoons cacao, heaped
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil

Directions:

1. Lightly grease a 20 x 20 centimetre square cake tin using coconut oil.
2. Place Brazil nuts into your blender and blitz; add dates with pits removed, and blitz; then add banana and cacao.
3. Blend until well combined, but so some chunky, nutty parts remain.
4. Add goji berries and gently mix them through.
5. Pour mixture into prepared cake tin, smooth it out and freeze. Leave to set for a few hours before cutting and store in the freezer for tastiest results.

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