this is my entry to the plant based challenge "nuts about nuts".
my recipe is called balls to the walnut
if you want to join in this challenge here is the link:
@plantpoweronhive/the-brand-new-plant-based-challenge-nuts-about-nuts
in case you are not familiar with the expression balls to the wall it is a military aviation saying that means full throttle or maximum effort.
To make these
i used these:
1 cup walnuts
5 dried figs
150 g date paste
2 Tbsp shredded coconut
1/4 cup slivered almonds
1/4 cup cashews
1 Tbsp peanut butter
and for the chocolate coating:
cocoa powder
powdered sugar
coconut oil
Procedure
dry roast the walnuts in a pan. remove from heat and pound them a little with a pestle.
chop the figs.
grind the nuts and figs together with the peanut butter in a food processor until they become sticky enough to form balls when pressed together.
roll out the date paste with a rolling pin. use baking paper both under and over. remove the upper paper and sprinkle the coconut evenly over the date paste. put the paper back and roll out more until 2-3 mm thick. using a round form cut circles.
take a small amount of the walnut fig mixture and press into a firm ball. place that ball on the date coconut circle.
press and shape the date circle around the ball and roll in the hands. if it cracks just patch it with a little more rolled date paste.
when finished, gather the remains and roll out again. repeat until the date paste is used up.
warm some coconut oil in a double boiler. we do not have a proper one so i just used a metal bowl in a pan of water. the water should not boil but be warm enough to form a nice liquid chocolate.
stir in the powdered sugar and cocoa to the warm oil. adjust the proportions to your taste. the chocolate should be quite thin to coat the balls. if needed just add more coconut oil. if you prefer add a few drops vanilla essence.
one at a time dip the date covered balls in the chocolate. place a piece of walnut on top. let them cool and harden on the baking paper or in a suitable form.
enjoy your balls to the walnut. no need to eat them all at once, you may want to share some with family and friends just store the leftover ones in the fridge. you'll be glad you did.