CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER BALLS WITH POPPED QUINOA
Until I found this recipe, I did not realize you can pop/puff quinoa and other grains at home!
I was inspired by this recipe from “Naturally Ella”: peanut butter buckeye balls with popped quinoa, but had to make changes to make it healthier.
Ingredients:
1 packed cup of pitted dates
3/4 cup quinoa, puffed/popped (I buy quinoa that has already been rinsed to remove the bitter saponins; I only had tri-color quinoa on hand so used that)
1/4 cup peanut butter
3 Tablespoons cacao powder (or can use dark chocolate pieces but I didn't have any)
2-3 Tablespoons hemp seeds (or chia seeds, or whatever seed you want, or omit)
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions:
Place dates in food processor and process until they form a large ball
Pop the quinoa in a hot pan being very careful not to burn them. Here is a video about how to pop quinoa.
Add the popped quinoa and other ingredients into a food processor with the dates and combine well.
Use your hands to form small balls by squeezing the mix, not just rolling it
Can refrigerate or freeze in individual servings.
