raw chocolate coconut balls

I was in the mood to make something sweet yesterday (even though there is still red velvet wedding cake in our freezer)!

I wanted to make something healthy as well. I looked in my pantry and I realized I had ALL the ingredients needed to make these raw chocolate coconut balls that I had made about a year ago. I try to eat as much raw food as possible. At one point I was eating almost 100% raw! It was a little difficult at first but after a few weeks it became easier and easier and it in fact was a bit life changing for me. I had more energy than I had ever had before, I actually felt healthy, I lost 15lbs and was at a weight that I felt best. The downfall of it was that it was quite expensive for all the unique ingredients and because I mostly ate produce I was going to the grocery store 3-4 times a week! I would definitely love to eat 100% raw again someday when my finances can provide it but until then my goal is to eat at least 2 raw meals/snacks a day. So with that said, when I was eating raw many people thought it was a little crazy and thought it was weird that I ate a lot of nuts and seeds. At work my co-workers would say, "here comes Cydney with her bird food." I just laughed because call it what you want, it was yummy! The more they talked about it and asked questions the more I wanted to prove to them that it actually was tasty! I would bring in raw crackers, raw cashew cheeze, raw "tacos", etc and to their surprise (not mine) they LOVED it and asked for more! The one raw treat that got the very best response was my raw chocolate coconut balls. Even my dad liked them and he's kind of a creature of habit, not that interested in trying new foods. I was so excited to share this awesome dessert!!

And now I'd like to share the recipe with YOU! There are many recipes out there for this type of dessert and I've tried a few but I call this one my own because I've changed and added so many things to my taste. I hope you enjoy!

Raw Chocolate Coconut Balls

•  1 1/2 cups Medjool dates (pitted)
• 1/3 cup raw cacao powder
• 1/3 cup whole chia seeds
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 tbs. raw honey
• coconut flakes for coating, optional

1.   Place dates in bowl of food processor; puree  until thick paste forms. Add cacao powder, chia seeds, and vanilla extract. Pulse until all the ingredients are combined. Add raw honey and pulse until smooth.
2. Spread a large sheet of parchment paper on work surface, and dust with coconut flakes.
3. Using a spoon, scoop a small amount of date mix and roll into balls. Roll them in coconut flakes and coat. 
4. Chill to solidify and store in refrigerator until serving.

What is your favorite healthy sweet snack?