Choco-Coco Protein Bites using HEMP

In light of my recent post on hemp seeds, I thought I would share a quick recipe I made using them last night.  This "recipe" is raw, vegan, and tastes like a brownie, but it is full of protein {from the hemp and walnuts} and au natural ingredients.  Oh and did I mention it takes about 2.5 seconds to make? Yeah I know, pretty great.

All you need are hemp seeds, walnuts, dates, cocoa powder, vanilla, and fine sea salt. {+ a food processor} <<< I used my blender\\ it was fine \\ just took a little longer >>>

Enough talking though and lets get to the goods shall we?

First, you are going to blend together hemp seeds, cocoa powder,walnuts, and salt until finely ground. It will look like coffee grounds. Resist the urge to use this in your next coffee brew.  Keep your eyes on the prize people! However coffee does pair wonderfully with all things chocolate so if you want to make yourself an actual cup of joe to go along with your treat, I will not object.

Next you will add half the dates and vanilla.  Once that is blended together, add the remaining half of the dates until smooth.

Pour into a bowl.  Now for the finishing touch...so you can say you made Choco-Coco bites instead of boring Chocolate bites, add in dried unsweetened coconut.  Stir together and using a tablespoon form 15 balls.

Choco-Coco Protein Bites 

Recipe adapted from the Washington Post

• 1/2 cup raw, shelled hemp seeds
• 1/2 cup raw, unsalted walnuts 
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder or cacao powder 
• 1/4 tsp. fine sea salt
• 24 pitted dates, coarsely chopped
• 1 tsp. vanilla extra
• 1/4-1/2 cup dried, unsweetened coconut flakes

1. Combine walnuts, hemp seeds, cocoa powder and salt in a mini food processor or blender.  Pulse to create a finely ground coffee mixture. 

2.  Add half of the dates and vanilla extract; puree until blended smoothly, then add remaining dates.

3.  Transfer mixture to a small bowl and add the coconut flakes, stirring until well incorporated.

4.  Using tablespoon sized scoops, make 15 balls.  

5.  Roll in additional hemp seeds if desired.

6.  Chill in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours before serving.  

* Store in the refrigerator until ready to use. Best served cold*