Bliss balls. What a dumb name. I’m not sure who decided the combination of oats and dates deserves to be associated with the word bliss, but they probably don’t have much going on.
Despite their name, these balls are a really convenient breakfast option and snack. They take less than a half hour to make and can be stored in your freezer indefinitely. It’s been so nice not worrying about making breakfast and instead just chilling in bed with my balls. They also have saved me when I come home from work absolutely ravished. Instead of eating all of my roommate’s tortilla chips, I eat a bliss ball and then calmly prepare dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pitted dates
- 1 cup filtered water
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 3 tablespoons peanut butter
- 3 tablespoons hemp seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Optional: coconut flakes, cinnamon, cocoa powder
Safeway and Whole Foods have pitted dates in the bulk section, so bring your cotton bag and get shopping.
Put the dates in a pot and cover with the filtered water. After about ten minutes the dates will soften up and the water will begin to smell very sweet.
Pour the dates and the water into your food processor or blender and blend until it forms a paste-like texture.
Add in one cup of the oats, the peanut butter, hemp seeds, and salt. You may need to add a bit more water if the mixture gets too thick to blend.
Removed the goop from your blender and stir in the additional cup of oats.
Form the bliss balls. If they’re sticky, wet your fingers. I found that leaving the dough sit for a few minutes also made it easier to work with.
Now is the time to roll the bliss balls in extra toppings if you wish. So far I’ve tried cinnamon, coconut flakes, cacao nibs, and cocoa powder. Cinnamon is my favorite. Once rolled, stick them in the freezer.
After about an hour you can transfer the balls into a container for safe keeping. Eat them right out of the freezer (I like gnawing on the frozen balls) or throw them in a pouch and by the time you arrive at your destination they will have softened.
Enjoy!
