Monday 28 July 2014

Apricot and Goji Berry Balls

apricot and goji berry balls


These Apricot and Goji Berry Balls follow on from my recent recipe for Raw Coconut Fudge. Did you see it? Turns out it wasn't technically raw as desiccated coconut has been treated, but you got the idea.

It has been phenomenally popular though and has inspired me to come up with more raw type baking ideas. Raw baking seems to be taking off, and you know me, anything to jump on a bandwagon! Raw ‘bakes’ are vegan friendly plus they are healthier. No refined ingredients, just natural stuff. For me that’s good as I have just been in London for a few days and over-indulged. A little clean-eating will do me no harm.

dried apricots, goji berries, cashews and coconut blended


Actually, I made this recipe before we went down to London. I’ve had it on the back burner – waiting for you all to see. It’s made in my fantastic Optimum 9400 blender, from the people at Froothie.
This blender is almost indestructible. As I have said to you before, it can crush paving stones. Thanks to its powerful motor (up to 48,000 rpm) and six stainless steel blades.



And did you know that the jug is made from Eastman Tritan copolyester - which probably doesn’t mean anything to you. But it is non-toxic and there is video evidence of it online being run over by a truck. The jug did not break at all! So you can be rest assured that it will not crack, or explode on you.

This ‘bake’ is made from only a few ingredients and the resultant treat is absolutely delicious. I combined cashews, soft dried apricots, goji berries and desiccated coconut. Vanilla extract is optional. This recipe can be made to suit true raw cooking if you get the correct ingredients.

The Optimum 9400 took no time at all to blend these into a large ball, ready to be separated into smaller balls of bliss. I used the tamperer, which comes with the blender, to make sure everything came into contact with the blades.

The colour of the mix is a gorgeous orange, with flecks of fiery red throughout, from the goji berries.

They almost have the texture of cookie dough and taste sweet, fruity and wholesome. I initially made the balls into flat discs and was going to freeze them, so they could be snacked on like cookies. You could do this if you prefer.




But in ball-form they are softer, slightly sticky, indulgence. Here’s how I made them.



print recipe

Raw Apricot and Goji Berry Balls
Vegan friendly little treats of apricot, goji berry, coconut and cashews. Little balls of heaven.
Ingredients
  • 200 grams soft, dried apricots
  • 250 grams raw cashew nuts
  • 25 grams desiccated coconut
  • 25 grams goji berries
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
Add the cashew nuts to the blender and blitz until they resemble fine meal. Add the other ingredients and blend until the mixture turns into a solid mass and comes away from the side of the jug. 

Scoop out balls of the mix and with your hands, roll into bite size balls (about 1 tablespoon). 

Chill in the fridge until ready to eat.

Details
Prep time: Cook time: Total time: Yield: 2 dozen balls approx.


dried apricots, goji berries, cashews and coconut blended

Disclosure Statement: I received the Optimum 9400 free to use. Any opinions expressed are my own.

20 comments:

  1. Love the colour of these - I've made something similar with dates, but brown just isn't quite as jolly somehow ;-)

    Very envious of your blender - I need something powerful and indestructible.

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  2. Thanks for creating this wonderful post.

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  3. Oh these look tempting and love the colour Stuart. Nice idea x

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    Replies
    1. Cheers Jac, they are jolly aren't they?!

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  4. These look so pretty and colourful! Definitely an attractive looking healthy 'bake'. That blender sounds brilliant, would love to be the people testing how indestructable it is!

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    1. Test Crash Dummies were probably used in testing it Kat lol!

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  5. Fab colour! And very healthy! I reckon they would be delicious frozen.... I made some freeze bites a while back and they make a great frozen nibble!

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  6. Looks lush! I really need to get going with my Froothie machine.

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    Replies
    1. Looking forward to seeing what you come up with Michelle

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  7. I am keen to try some raw recipes without dates in them so this is good.

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    Replies
    1. I know what you mean. A LOT do contain dates although I quite like the taste myself. This is a great alternative without.

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  8. They look like little oranges! So cute!

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    Replies
    1. Never thought of that Emma, they do, don't they?

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  9. Woah, my kids would LOVE these. I'll have to whizz them up. An amazing recipe and I have all of the ingredients in the cupboard!

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  10. I've made similar raw 'bakes' in the past with dates, not as pretty as apricots though. Love the addition of goji berries too for a super healthy treat.

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    Replies
    1. I love the contrast in colour Jen! Orange and flame red very attractive

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