Its December, the Christmas lights are going up all around us, Christmas trees are appearing in windows and we're all starting to feel just a little bit like Christmas! So I thought I'd share a recipe for some delicious but healthy treats for you, in the form of these chocolate and cranberry bliss balls.

These little guys taste super chocolatey and fudgey and totally bad for you, but they are actually vegan, dairy and refined sugar free, and packed full of all the good things. Anyone who knows me even just a little bit probably knows that I don't shy away from of a bit of cake occasionally, but it is nice to have a healthier alternative too. If you're not convinced and prefer to make my famous Rum Balls, click here for the recipe from 2016 :)

They are so quick and easy to make. Read on...

Chocolate and Cranberry Bliss Balls

Ingredients

1/2 cup medjool dates (pitted)

1/2 cup dried cranberries (plus extra for decorating)

1 cup nuts of your choice (I used a mixture of cashews and almonds)

1/3 cup raw cacao powder (plus extra for rolling)

a pinch of sea salt

a little melted coconut oil (if needed)

Method

Soak the dates and dried cranberries in some boiling water while you get all the other ingredients (except the coconut oil) weighed out and and into the food processor or blender. Drain the dates and cranberries well, add them to the mix and process to your desired consistency. If the mixture is looking a little dry or not coming together, add a little melted coconut oil and process again. Roll into balls, dust lightly with cacao powder and decorate with a dried cranberry. You could also roll in cranberry powder, or dessicated coconut, or just leave plain. Put them into the fridge for a little while to firm up.

Enjoy!

Marina x