Chloe’s Corner: Pecan Date Balls

The Lanby’s Co-founder and CEO, Chloe Harrouche shares her recipe for this sweet treat. Only three ingredients and you’re set for a healthy afternoon snack or dinner party dessert. 

1. Pecans are loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. They’re an especially good source of zinc which is important for immune-cell development and function. This tree nut contains very little sugar and can also improve blood sugar levels which helps maintain energy and prevents blood sugar spikes. Additionally, pecans are a great source of manganese and copper, two minerals that support metabolic health.

2. Dates are high in fiber, which prevents constipation and helps control blood sugar. Dates also contain several types of antioxidants which aid in the prevention of certain chronic illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes. Due to their sweet taste and nutritional benefits they’re a great substitute for white sugar in recipes.  

3. Dark Chocolate (above 70% cacao) is one of the best sources of antioxidants you can find! It contains heart-healthy fats and is rich in fiber, iron, magnesium, copper, manganese, and other minerals that are proactive against heart disease. 

Makes 20 balls
Prep Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

- 1 cup raw pecans (you can use any nut, but pecans give the best flavor, in my opinion)
- 1 cup dates, pitted
- 1/2 bar of dark chocolate (I like anything above 70% cocoa)
- Optional: Unsweetened coconut flakes

Steps

1. Fill 1/4 of a small pot with water and set to boil.
2. Add raw pecans to the food processor and blend until they turn into flour.
3. Add pitted dates and blend again until dates and pecan flour are well mixed and both ingredients look like crumbs.
4. Using your hands, make small balls out of the mixture and place them in a container lined with parchment paper. When done, place the container uncovered in the freezer to harden while you melt the bar of chocolate.
5. Place bar of chocolate in a small metal mixing bowl that fits on top of the pot of water without falling in. Let the steam warm the chocolate until it fully melts. 
6. Remove the balls from the freezer. You have two options here: you can either dip each ball in the melted chocolate to fully cover the ball with chocolate or you can use a spoon, fork or whisk to drizzle the chocolate over the balls (as seen in the picture). 
7. Optional: Before the chocolate dries up, sprinkle coconut flakes on the wet chocolate for it to stick.
8. When done, seal the container with its lid and put back in the freezer. These will keep up to 1 month.
9. To eat, remove from the container and let sit for a few minutes before taking your first bite. Trust me!

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