There are some days that I just need something that feels sweet. The good thing is, that something doesn't necessarily need to have any sugar in it.

That's where natural sweetness comes in. Which in this case, means lots of dates and some cacao powder - a raw chocolate powder with a deep, rich chocolately flavor bursting with magnesium, fiber, antioxidants... and it may be my favorite superfood.  

If you don't have cacao powder (you can find it in the organic/health food section of the grocery store), you can use unsweetened cocoa powder.  But, I really recommend seeking out a bag of cacao powder. I add it to my (almost daily) banana ice cream, use it in bites such as these, cacao-avocado pudding, or in my favorite cacao-truffles.  

Make these bites for a sweet afternoon treat that will leave you feeling energized, not sluggish. The pairing of chocolate and coconut is the perfect match. 

Cacao Bites

(makes about 24 bites)

• 1/2 cup raw cashews

• 1/2 cup raw pecans or almonds

• 1/2 cup shredded, unsweetened coconut

• 12-16 large, pitted Medjool dates

• 2 Tablespoons cacao powder

• 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt

Directions: 

1. In a large food processor, add the nuts, coconut and dates and pulse until crumbly. Add the remaining ingredients and process until the mixture sticks together when you pinch it. If it seems to dry, add a few more dates or a 1/2 teaspoon coconut oil and process until combined. (I start with using 12 dates and add more if the mixture seems to dry or crumbly.)

2. Using a small cookie scoop, scoop out balls of the mixture, and then roll into a ball with your hands. I like to roll the balls in extra cacao powder to coat.

3. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for a few weeks, if they last that long!