While speaking to Karen Inge about the recipe for compiling a healthy lunch box, Dee Dee was reminded of Flip Shelton’s wonderful, simple recipe for cacao balls, which make a perfect sweet lunchbox snack!

Flip Shelton’s cacao balls

These balls have squishy caramel dates, walnuts (which are shaped like the brain and are good for the brain), naturally sweet shredded coconut and cacao (pronounced ka-cow). There is no greater incentive than a delicious edible reward and my nine-year old son makes a batch of these each week so he knows he has these for afternoon tea. This recipe makes 15-20 balls.

Ingredients
2 cups walnuts
2 cups pitted Medjool dates (about 15)
1/4 cup shredded coconut
2-4 tablespoons cacao (for a very rich chocolate taste, use 1/4 cup)
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon chilli – optional
pinch of sea salt – optional

Method
Place all ingredients in a blender and blend for 30 seconds – 1 minute until crumbly. Blend longer for a smoother consistency. Transfer mixture to a bowl for safety and ease of working.

Using fingers, grab some mixture, and roll into a bite-sized balls. Chill for an hour – if you can resist. These store well in the fridge for a several days.

Karen Inge’s tips for a healthy lunchbox at school

For more healthy lunchbox options check out Flip Shelton and Michael Carr-Gregg’s book – Smart Snacks. Use the promo code ‘DeeDee’ for 25% off until Feb 7.