Coconut Snowballs

(recipe from the Bread and Chocolate blog)

1 3/4 cups unsweetened shredded coconut
2 tsp. coconut oil
1/4 cup cashews
3 Tbsp. maple syrup
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
pinch of sea salt

Pulse 1 cup of shredded coconut and coconut oil in a food processor, scraping down the sides, until well combined.  Add the cashews, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.  Add 1/2 cup shredded coconut.  Pulse again.  Roll into 1-inch balls and coat in the remaining coconut.

Refrigerate for an hour, then serve.

Sweetness and Light Sugarplums

(recipe from PETA)

12 dried Medjool dates, pitted
8 dried apricots
1/2 tsp. cardamom seeds (I used ground cardamom)
1/2 tsp. anise seeds
1 1/2 cups walnuts
1/4 cup ground cinnamon or unsweetened cocoa powder

Place the dates and apricots in a food processor and pulse until the mixture just starts to come together.

Add the cardamom seeds, anise seeds, and walnuts and pulse again until just combined.  Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Pour the cinnamon or cocoa into a shallow bowl.  Form the date mixture into balls the size of walnuts and roll in the cinnamon or cocoa until completely coated.

Makes about 2 dozen sugarplums and keeps for 1 week in the refrigerator.