happy spring, friends! i've been looking forward to saying that since basically november, and it's finally here (even though the temperature outside and sloooowly melting snow may tell a different story)! spring has a way of having seemingly endless boundaries. the days seem a bit more easy-breezy and free, since there aren't the confines of it getting dark at 5pm. and the notion of a revived sense of being. we have had little suggestions of green buds appearing on the raspberry and elderflower bushes that i planted last year which i'm sure are thoroughly confused since we had an 8-inch dump of snow last week. i have little garlic and chive shoots popping up as well and it's giving me all the hope that the warmth is coming!

i'm not sure if this winter hit me as hard as it did because we had a baby and i essentially felt stuck inside most days. and even though i made it a mission to take walks when it was freezing, those feelings felt quite suffocating at times. so the impending spring weather is feeling like a release more than anything at this point, which i'm so grateful for.

it seems as though spring growth has cast its spell on our amesy as well. at times he seems like is a completely different baby from just 2 months ago. his curious streak is continuing with trying to grab our breakfast, put his hands in my lunch bowls, and swing, swat, and snatch anything that comes into his purview. he's a totally wild soul and i cannot get enough of him exploring his environment and taking in his little world.

a couple weeks ago when i was still mid-cleanse, i needed something chocolatey, also something cookie-like. while these balls are completely "grain-free" and made from primarily nuts and seeds, they taste like cookie dough! they're slightly sweetened with a few dates and vanilla, but they have that little bite of salt at the end like a good cookie. i love that there's no sugar high or low, nor is there any nonsense, just straight up nourishing, good-for-your-body/soul healthy fats! there are some powdery potions in the mix as well if you're wanting that extra self-love care, if not, no worries, they'll be just as yummy :)

cheers to spring!!! xo

almond-cashew & chia balance balls | v & gf

| makes about 16 balls |

1/2 cup raw almonds
1/2 cup raw cashews
1 1/2 teaspoons chia seeds
1 1/2 teaspoons maca powder
1/2 teaspoon ashwagandha (optional)
1/2 teaspoon reishi (optional)
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 soft pitted dates
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 cup virgin coconut oil, melted
cacao powder, for dusting
crushed dried flowers, for garnish

chocolate shell

1/4 cup virgin coconut oil, melted
1/4 cup cacao powder
1 tablespoon coconut nectar (or maple syrup)
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

method

in a food processor fitted with a metal "s" blade, pulse the almonds, cashews, chia seeds, maca, ashwagandha (if using), reishi (if using), and salt until the nuts are finely ground into what looks sand-like. then add the dates and pulse until they are broken down and incorporated. next, add the vanilla and coconut oil and pulse until the mixture comes together in a loose ball. transfer the mix to shallow bowl; cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until the mixture is stiff, about 20-30 minutes.
line a small baking sheet with parchment paper. use a 1/2 tablespoon measure to form about 16 balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. freeze for 15 minutes.
while the balls are freezing, make the chocolate shell. in a small bowl, whisk together the ingredients together until smooth and set aside.
dip the tops of the balls into the chocolate then place them back onto the baking sheet and freeze for another 30 minutes, until balls are frozen through.
store the balance balls in a lidded container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.