Vanilla and Fig Bliss Balls

A while ago I bought some Vanilla Clean Lean protein for my smoothies, but since it’s been pretty cold, I’ve not really been in the mood for smoothies. So I decided to find another use for my protein powder – bliss balls! These babies are made with wholefood ingredients and use less dried fruit than many bliss ball recipes because the protein powder adds sweetness (it’s sweetened with a natural, sugar-free sweetener).

If you don’t like figs, then you can use extra dates, but the figs do really give them a lovely flavour.   Figs are a source of fibre, calcium and potassium too.

Dusted in cocoa or dark chocolate, these bliss balls are a delicious flavour combination that make a nice sweet treat.   If you don’t have protein powder, you could add extra coconut, but the vanilla flavour will not be as strong.

Here’s the recipe for vanilla and fig bliss balls:
3 dried figs
2 medjool dates (or 4 dried dates, soaked for 15 minutes in boiling water)
1 1/2 cups cashews
1/2 cup coconut
1 serve of Clean Lean Vanilla protein powder
2 tablespoons chia seeds
2 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
1 tablespoon melted coconut oil
To coat:  cocoa or grated dark chocolate

Chop up the figs and dates into small pieces and place in a food processor or blender with the cashew nuts. Blend until the nuts are finely ground and mixed up with the fruit. You may need to stop the blender and stir to ensure the mixture is ground evenly. Next, add the protein powder, chia seeds, water, vanilla and melted coconut oil and blend until mixed. Add a little extra water if required to help bind the ingredients.
Roll into balls, then dust with cocoa or grated dark chocolate. Enjoy!