Traditional flavours of Christmas cake, as bite sized morsels of joy. Perfect for gifting, with a cup of tea, included as part of a grazing platter, or simply enjoyed as a sweet festive snack at any time of day!

Makes: 20 bliss balls

Preparation time: 20 minutes + 2 hours chilling

Ingredients

• 1 cup pitted dried dates
• 1 cup nuts (walnuts, pecans or almonds)
• 1 cup rolled oats
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1 tablespoon orange juice
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons mixed spice
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder

To decorate

• Shredded coconut
• Cocoa powder
• Crushed nuts

Method

1. Soak dates in warm water for 10 minutes to soften, then drain.
   
   
2. Add dates, nuts, oats, orange zest, juice, spices and cocoa to a food processor. Blend until a smooth dough forms. If the mixture feels too sticky, add extra nuts or oats and blend until smooth.
   
   
3. Roll level tablespoons of mixture into balls, and gently coat in coconut, cocoa or crushed nuts. Place in a container lined with baking paper.
   
   
4. Repeat with remaining mixture.
   
   
5. Chill in the fridge for 2 hours until firm, and store chilled. Also suitable to freeze for a firmer texture.