Real Almond Joys

 

 

My lovely friend, Harriet, made these for a holiday party last week.  And I thought, “What a great idea!”  A healthy (and easy to make) alternative to a long-standing favorite candy bar or other indulgences.  And something that won’t derail you to have around the house, enjoying the leftovers.  Great for diabetics too.  This is one of our clients’  favorite treats.

  • ¼ cup coconut oil, only slightly softened so you can mash it (NOT melted)
  • ½ cup almond butter (or organic peanut butter)
  • ¼ tsp salt (optional – if nut butter and nuts are unsalted)
  • ¼ cup raw cacao powder (or unsweetened cocoa powder)
  • 1 tsp real vanilla extract
  • 15-20 drops  stevia extract (herbal sweetener)
  • 1 cup slivered or sliced almonds, coarsely chopped
  • ½ cup dark chocolate chips
  • 1 cup dried coconut

Combine oil, nut butter, cacao powder, salt, stevia, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl, and mix well. Gently, stir in almonds, chips, and half of the coconut. Form into 1-inch balls. Roll in remaining coconut. Store in a covered container in the refrigerator. Excellent high-energy snack!