Gluten-Free Coconut Snowballs with Macadamia and Dates

1. Set a frying pan over low heat and gently cook coconut flakes for 5-10 minutes, stirring often, until toasted and turning golden. Remove from the heat and allow to cool.

2. Add nuts to a food processor and blend to a fine crumb.

3. Add in dates, salt, vanilla and 1/2 cup of toasted coconut. Blend until it forms a dough.

4. Set aside in the fridge to firm up for 10 minutes.

5. Scoop tbsps of dough and roll into a ball.

6. Roll in remaining coconut to coat.

7. They will keep well in the fridge for up to a week.

Dietary notes

1. Whilst the dates provide a hit of 'sugar', there is a difference in terms of the impact this has on our hormones and our blood-sugar. In general, our body can cope better with sugar when it comes from whole-food sources like dates or raw honey, compared to refined or added sugars such as cane sugar, glucose, and sugars in processed carbohydrates. It’s important to consume any sweeteners, even natural ones, in moderation. It is also very important to balance them with quality protein and healthy fats. Eating a source of protein, fibre, and healthy fat with every meal will help stabilise blood sugar and limit any negative impact on hormones.