Coach Nicole's Cocoa-Nut Buddies

By Nanasjoy

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups roasted, unsalted almonds
• 3/4 cup dates, pitted
• 3 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• up to 1/4 cup water, divided
• 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)

Preparation

Step 1

Place dates, almonds, cocoa powder, salt, vanilla and 1 Tbsp of water in a food processor
Pulse on/off for several rounds, approximately 30 seconds.
Pulse on/off for longer intervals for about a minute until mixture is mixed enough that it begins to stick together. (If it remains loose and unpacked, added water a little at a time between pulses to moisten.)
When thoroughly combined and "sticky," remove from processor. Roll into 1-inch balls and then roll through unsweetened coconut.
Serve.
Refrigerate for a week.

Serving Size: Makes 24 1-inch balls