I love bite sized treats to enjoy with coffee but too often the options in coffee shops aren't very healthy for us. I make these Cacao Fruit & Nut Gems when I want something sweet to pair with my coffee without the sugar rush or empty calories.

Measurements are not included because the best thing about these snacks is you can pretty much make them however and with whatever you’d like! Try and make them a few different ways to get your favorite flavor and texture. Here’s how I made mine:

Cacao, Fruit & Nut Gems ( V + GF ) 

Ingredients:

• Pecans
• Cashews
• Dried Coconut
• Cacao Nibs
• Chia Seeds
• Cinnamon
• a pinch of salt
• Pitted Dates - I prefer the flavor of medjool dates (the glue for your masterpiece)

Method:

Using a food processor, finely grind up the pecans and then pour them in a bowl. Repeat this step with cashews, dried coconut and cacao nibs. Add chia seeds, cinnamon and a pinch of salt to your nut mixture. Thoroughly mix. Now, put your dates in the food processor (make sure the pits are removed) blend until they become a paste. Add the paste to your nut mixture. Use your hands (yay!) to evenly smush everything together. Finally, take the goop you have created and roll it into beautiful little balls like this:

Store these magical little gems in an airtight container in the fridge and snack on them when you are craving something sweet to accompany your coffee.

Here are some other ingredient suggestions: Walnuts, Brazil Nuts, Almonds, sprouted/soaked almonds, carrots, beets, mint, dried cranberries, dried cherries, flax seeds/powder, cacao powder, cardamom, goji berries…. the possibilities are endless!

p.s. if you sprout or soak the nuts these will likely be easier to digest - HERE is how.