Side note: Medjool dates and regular pitted dates differ significantly - in taste, texture and even in baking. I'd recommend getting the large Medjool dates with pits that are found in the fresh produce section. Once you try them you will never go back to the regular "baking dates".
Gingerbread Cookie Balls
2 cups raw almonds, pecans or a combination of both6 Medjool dates, pitted3 tablespoons blackstrap molasses1 teaspoon ground cinnamon1/2-inch fresh ginger, peeled or 1/2 teaspoon ground gingerdash ground clovesdash ground nutmegpinch of salt
For rolling: shredded unsweetened coconut or almond meal Simply add all ingredients to a food processor or Nutribullet. Once everything is processed, take small handfuls and roll into little balls. To make them look picture-worthy, roll the balls in shredded coconut or almond meal which gives the illusion of powdered sugar. You can make your own almond meal by processing raw almonds until a very fine powder forms.Place the balls on a cookie sheet with parchment paper and leave in the fridge for an hour or so to harden or eat them right away if you can't resist.
Pumpkin Pie Smoothie1.5 cups almond milk (or lactose free milk)
1/2 cup canned pumpkin (I use E.D. Smith)
1 very ripe frozen banana
1 tsp cinnamon
dash ground cloves
dash ground nutmeg
2 medjool dates or 1 tbs maple syrup to sweeten it
4 small ice cubes
Blend all ingredients together (I highly recommend the Nutribullet) and enjoy the sweet taste of Christmas!
