Easy Peasy Bliss Balls

They're vegan, they're raw, they're healthy and they taste pretty freakin amazing.

I've never been a baker, a cook, or a chef of any sort. I burn toast and can barely manage microwave oatmeal. When I started getting into raw treats last year I felt like I was finally almost adequate at creating goodies in the kitchen, but really they're just ridiculously easy to make.

Trust me, if I can make these. You can too. Blind folded. With spoons for hands. You don't need to pre-heat an oven, soften butter or even own a carton of eggs. All you need is some basic fruits and nuts and a hungry stomach. If you've never tried these bad boys - prepare for your world to change.

I have zero photographic skills please don't judge me/the bliss balls by this photo. Taste them and see for yourself!

Ingredients: 

1 cup of whole walnuts

1 1/4 cups of pitted dates

1/2 cup of raw cacao

1/2 cup chopped almonds

1/4 cup goji berries

1. Place walnuts and cacao in the blender, pulse until finely ground.
2. Add dates, one or two at a time, through the feed tube or lid hole whilst the blender is running. If the mixture consistency doesn't seem gooey or strong enough, add more.
3. Scoop into a large mixing bowl and add chopped almonds and goji berries.
4. Mix it up (hands are fine!) all together, ensuring you have a nice consistent texture throughout
5. Break off desired amounts of mixture and roll into roughly golf ball-sized balls. Place on a tray with baking powder underneath and allow to cool in a freezer or fridge until ready to serve.

You can play around with the ingredients - add or subtract what you like but be sure to keep in the dates and cacao. If you're looking to mix it up I would recommend adding other superfoods like maca powder, chia seeds or even just some LSA butter! Next time I make a batch I'm going to roll them in some fine desiccated coconut and create a health-packed alternative to the rum-balls or truffles I ate as a kid.

PS. When using large amounts of dates, because they are so thick and gooey in nature, the blender blades can sometimes get a little overworked and need a break. If they suddenly stop, just turn it off, let it rest and crank that baby up again in a few minutes.

Good luck and enjoy!

ICE CREAM FOR BREAKFAST

As the weather (finally) heated up in Melbourne, this quickly became a staple in my diet, and something I find myself happily eating all throughout the day. Who said you can't have dessert first?

If you know me, you'll know I cannot cook to save my life. I usually end up burning toast (maybe that's where my bircher muesli obsession started, I had to resort to cold food by default?). With that in mind, this is something even I can make, so it's definitely an easy one. This may even be the simplest recipe ever made... all you need is two ingredients - you can even do it with one!!

I'm talking about... raw banana berry ice cream!

Ingredients:

• 3 frozen bananas
• 2 cups frozen blueberries
• THAT'S ALL.

Directions:

1. In preparation, break a bunch of bananas into 3 pieces (after removing the skin!) and freeze them in a zip-lock bag. Leave overnight or at least for a few hours - the colder the better.
2. When all ingredients are frozen and ready, place them into the blender and pulse until you end up with a smooth, creamy texture. It should be soft, but you should be able to tip the blender container upside down without any falling out.
3. Scoop into a big bowl, top with any desired fresh fruit, nuts or oats and enjoy!!

Too easy.

(It can also be made with pretty much any frozen fruit of your choosing, mango goes down a treat!)