Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Raw Fruit and Nut Balls; The Perfect On-The-Go Snacks


After my first attempt at making raw balls (a food/snack I have read about on many blogs) I feel as though I'm a raw ball PRO! haha, well, that's not saying much because it's actually quite easy. Here are two of my first raw ball recipes, which I've adapted from several bloggers and other dietitians throughout the years (yes, I've been meaning to make raw balls since I first saw them posted two years ago!).

Raw Ball #1
Raw Fruit and Nut Balls

(Makes ~22)

Ingredients

1/2 cup almonds and walnuts
1 cup fresh prunes
2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 cup peanut butter


Directions

1. Use a food processor to blend all the ball ingredients

2. Use clean hands to scoop out the ball dough and roll the dough into nice round balls :)

3. Make the balls about half the size of a ping pong ball (should make about 20-22 balls). *** You could really make them any size you want, obviously ***

4. Freeze the balls (after eating a couple, of course).



These were soft and chewy in texture, with a fruity flavor. Delicious.


Nutrition Facts
(Serving size: 1 ball)

And I swear I did not plan for these balls to have 69 calories. It was just a coincidence :) I have to say I disagree with the C- grade (almost failing!). I mean, any snack with prunes, walnuts, and almonds deserves at least a B, don't you think?!


Raw Ball #2
Raw Fruit and Nut Protein Balls

(Makes ~10)

Ingredients
1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter
1 T honey
1/4 cup soy protein powder
1/2 cup oats
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup sliced almonds
1/2 cup diced apricots

2 T wheat germ
(** Are you gluten free? Use coconut! **)


Directions: Throw everything together into a bowl and mix! Then form into balls and roll in the wheat germ.

These had a harder and nuttier texture and flavor.

Nutrition Facts
(Serving Size: 1 ball)

They were definitely a tad on the dry side, but they were still very tasty (and Nick approved!). They tasted great with a giant glass of vanilla unsweetened almond milk.


Other Ways to Enjoy Your Raw Balls

- Pack them in your lunch for a sweet meal-ending snack/dessert

- Keep them in your freezer for those late night sweet cravings (it's better to grab these than a cookie or ice cream, right?!)

- Throw them in a baggie and keep them in your purse for those moments you get hungry on-the-go.

- Toss them on (or crumble in) some ice cream, frozen yogurt, or regular yogurt.


I'm also really loving the idea of these Carrot Cake Balls. This is next on my "raw ball" list!


QUESTION: Do you have any other fun recipes for raw balls?! I'm into them!


Very Important Question: I have written a label booklet that takes you through the grocery aisles and explains what to look for and what to be cautious of on labels. I am debating whether to pay to have it printed and stapled or to just send it via an e-book to those who purchase it. Would you buy this booklet if it was sent to you in a PDF file, which you would have to then print and staple? It will be in the appropriate format so when it prints it will print like a little label book, all you would need to do it cut and staple it, and you'd have the file forever! Or, would you rather pay a little more to have it printed and stapled already? Or, would you not buy it at all? PLEASE be HONEST!

20 comments :

  1. what a great snack!

    to answer your question - I actually prefer things on the computer - I'm much less likely to lose them! Plus, if it's cheaper that way that's an extra bonus!

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  2. Love your balls!

    I would also prefer the booklet on the computer.

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  3. These look brilliant! Perfect little snacks for during the day :) I'd prefer the booklet on a computer, it sounds like a great idea!

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  4. I would go with the PDF format (and/or some kind of kindle or iPhone friendly format if you can that way people can access it while they are actually at the grocery store!).

    I have bought pdf ebooks in the past and have had no issue with printing it out myself. Plus I like to save the soft copy in my inbox so I can reference it when I don't have the print-out handy.

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  5. I like the addition of peanut butter in your balls!

    Here is a link to the ones I make
    http://nutmegnotebook.com/2010/03/very-cherry-bars-balls/

    I like the idea of the e book so I can have it on the computer as well as a having a hard copy.

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  6. just love these. very similiar to ones i make. can't go wrong with wholemade goodies like these!

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  7. My parents have a plum tree with delicious it Italian plums... They'd be great for balls!

    As for the book, if I was going to buy a book i'd want to take to the store with me having it printed/stapled and ready to go would be my choice.

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  8. And this is why I need a food processor! I've been wanting to make those fruit and nut balls forever! I'll try the second recipe, since that one you just have to mix all the ingredients together.

    I like the idea of the e-book. Sounds like it might be the easiest option all around.

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  9. woooo.. you're really in a raw ball kick lately! I think it's great to have it as a small dessert after the meal!

    booklet? I think it the printed version is convenient to carry around, some creative way to carry when people go to groceries stores because otherwise if it's like a book size, no one will carry it with them and it loses its usefulness.
    I always prefer printed thing than e-version! just old fashion girl! ;)

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  10. i have yet to make a raw ball haha although i do see them all over the place and i think they would be okay but idk i just feel like if i'm having a snack i want MORE of a snack hahaha you know what i mean instead of just like a ball hahahahaha

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  11. These look yummy, but I have to say I am a ball virgin. I keep wanting to make some up, but never have. Maybe soon...I vote for the e-book version too, if it is something you could read on an mobile phone in the store.

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  12. I want to make these! ok another fructose question: how are dates? I love those things and would probably use those for my ball creation. Definitely have to have pb and cinnamon too :) I am all for the electronic version, it's the only way to go! I wish the fodmaps book was a downloadable version :( that way anyone from anywhere can get to it easily :)

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  13. On the first recipe, do you really mean fresh prunes? Or dried ones? I've made something similar using dried dates, so just wanted to check. They sound delicious!

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  14. You are an RD after my own heart with this short and simple recipe, so thank you!! If I see a recipe with too many ingredients or too many steps, chances of me ever making it are close to zero!

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  15. You know I would pay. I think there's HUGE value in that resource!

    I love making raw balls (I snicker every time...) and with the INSANE schedule I've got going on right now, they would be great for the grab-and-go that I need. :) Can't wait to see what you come up with for carrot cake...drooling already!

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  16. looks delicious .. yummy !! ..
    I'll try that soon ..

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  17. Great recipes for raw balls! They resemble Larabars, which I love. I'm going to have to try a batch of the raw fruit and nut protein balls. Thanks for sharing. :)

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  18. I've been wanting to make these balls ever since I saw them in the blogsphere!

    Looks delicious
    -- check out my blog for these new Bella Bars I tried that are just like them

    xo

    Jocelyn

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  19. I agree with many others that I prefer things on the computer, especially because I tend to print and then lose something haha and it's good to be able to easily print it again :)

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