Introduction
In today’s fast-paced world, where time is of the essence and health is a top priority, quick and healthy treats are a lifesaver. Imagine a delicious snack that requires no added sugar and absolutely no baking! This recipe brings together natural ingredients to create a delightful treat that will satisfy your sweet cravings guilt-free. Let’s dive into the details of this super quick and mouth-watering recipe.
Ingredients and Preparation
To begin, gather the following ingredients:
- 150 gr. dates, soaked in cold water for 15 minutes
- 60 gr. sweetener-based cookies, ground into crumbs
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 pinch of salt
- 100 ml. milk
- 30 ml. vegetable oil
- 60g hazelnuts, chopped
- 60g dark chocolate without sugar
- 110g white chocolate without sugar
Start by draining the soaked dates and removing their seeds. Then, chop them into small pieces and mix them with the ground cookies, cocoa powder, salt, milk, and vegetable oil. Blend the mixture until smooth and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Mixing and Forming
Once chilled, lubricate your hands with oil and roll the mixture into small balls. Insert a hazelnut into the center of each ball and reshape if needed. Place the candies back in the refrigerator for another 40 minutes to firm up.
Chocolate Coating
While the candies chill, melt the dark and white chocolate in separate bowls over a water bath. Stir in a tablespoon of vegetable oil into each melted chocolate for a smoother consistency. Add chopped hazelnuts to the chocolate.
Dip each chilled candy into the melted chocolate, coating them evenly. Return the candies to the refrigerator for a final 30 minutes.
Refrigeration and Serving
Once the chocolate has set, your no-sugar, no-oven Christmas candies are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them chilled for the best taste and texture, and store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Health Benefits
Unlike traditional Christmas sweets loaded with refined sugar and butter, these candies offer a healthier alternative. By using natural sweeteners like dates and skipping the oven, you’re reducing your intake of empty calories and unhealthy fats. Plus, dates are packed with essential nutrients like fiber, potassium, and antioxidants, making these treats a guilt-free indulgence.
Variations
Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences. You can add shredded coconut or chopped nuts to the mixture for extra texture, or drizzle the finished candies with melted chocolate for a decorative touch. Get creative and experiment with different flavors to make these candies truly your own.
Tips for Success
For the best results, be sure to use fresh, high-quality ingredients and follow the instructions closely. If the mixture is too sticky to roll into balls, chill it in the refrigerator for an additional 15 minutes. And when dipping the candies in chocolate, work quickly to prevent the chocolate from hardening before you can roll them in the chopped hazelnuts.
Conclusion
With this simple recipe, you can enjoy delicious Christmas candies without any added sugar or the need for an oven. Whether you’re making them for yourself or giving them as gifts, these treats are sure to impress. So why not try your hand at making them this holiday season?
FAQs
- Can I use a different type of nut in place of hazelnuts?
- Absolutely! Feel free to use almonds, walnuts, or pecans instead.
- Can I substitute almond milk for regular milk?
- Yes, almond milk or any other plant-based milk will work just fine.
- Can I make these candies ahead of time and freeze them?
- While you can freeze them, the texture may change slightly once thawed. It’s best to enjoy them fresh if possible.
- Are these candies suitable for diabetics?
- While they don’t contain added sugar, they still contain natural sugars from the dates. Diabetics should enjoy them in moderation and monitor their blood sugar levels accordingly.
- Can I omit the chocolate coating for a healthier option?
- Of course! The candies are delicious on their own or rolled in shredded coconut for a healthier alternative.
