As I begin to think about cooking for this weekend’s Pink Ribbon High Tea to support breast cancer, I can’t help but gulp at the amount of refined sugar in one place.
I’m usually a moderation sort of gal (except when it comes to bubbly fermented grapes) and don’t get too stressed about a little sugar here and there, especially when I’ve cooked from scratch. It’s the hidden sugars I’m more concerned about (refer to my baked beans post).
There is no hiding the sweet stuff this weekend – it is what it is, a once in a few months treat. But, it has got me thinking. Perhaps I could modify a recipe or two to give an equally delicious result but with less negative impact on our bodies.
I’ve come up with an apricot and orange bliss ball recipe that I quite like. Yes, I’m using dried fruit, but the high sugar content is natural. And, unlike refined sugar equivalents, one of these little babies is all you’ll need.
Have a play with flavours to suit your palate. I’m partial to ginger so sometimes make a date and ginger version. And there’s my old favourite cocoa, cashew and orange treat.
While I’m not hosting the High Tea, our household is having a Pink Ribbon event of sorts. My five-year-old has insisted on doing something to raise money for the cause – and who am I to douse his enthusiasm?! This is what he/we are up to if you have a dollar or two spare.
What you’ll need
100g dried apricots, roughly chopped
50g dried dates, roughly chopped
50 dried sultanas
80ml fresh orange juice or mix of OJ and water (I squeeze an orange)
20g threat coconut
2 Tbsp cacao powder
30g sunflower seeds
Desiccated coconut (or thread) for rolling
How to make them
Put the dried fruit and oj/water in a small saucepan. Simmer for 2-3 minutes. Take off heat and set aside until cool and fruit has absorbed the liquid (around 30 minutes). You can pour the fruit into a bowl to speed this process up if you like.
Blend the cooled fruit mixture till mushy (a food processor or stick blender is good for this).
Add in the rest of the ingredients and mix to combine.
Roll heaped teaspoonfuls of mixture into balls, then through desiccated coconut.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Apricot and Date Bliss Balls- imustgetaroundtoit.com
Ingredients
100g dried apricots, roughly chopped
50g dried dates, roughly chopped
50 dried sultanas
80ml fresh orange juice or mix of OJ and water (I squeeze an orange)
20g threat coconut
2 Tbsp cacao powder
30g sunflower seeds
Desiccated coconut (or thread) for rolling
Method
Put the dried fruit and oj/water in a small saucepan. Simmer for 2-3 minutes. Take off heat and set aside until cool and fruit has absorbed the liquid (around 30 minutes). You can move to a bowl to make this happen more quickly.
Blend the cooled fruit mixture till mushy (a food processor or stick blender is good for this).
Add in the rest of the ingredients and mix to combine.
Roll heaped teaspoonfuls of mixture into balls and roll through desiccated coconut.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
the underground baker 
Incredible. I will try these.
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