Easter Treats (the healthy kind)

Not everyone likes chocolate so having some alternative treats on hand at Easter time is always useful. These healthy dried fruit candies are stored in the freezer and only need 5 minutes defrost time before eating. Do bear in mind however that they are both nutrient and calorie rich. High in natural sugar and fat from the nuts and seeds, a little really does go a long way. They have an almost chocolaty taste. 

 

2⁄3 cup sunflower seeds 

1⁄2 cup sesame seeds 

1⁄3 cup ground almonds 

1⁄3 cup unsweetened desiccated coconut  

1⁄2 - 1 cup raisins 

1 cup soft dates, seeds removed 

 

Grind the seeds and coconut together in a food processor. Add the dried fruits and ground almonds and process to a ball (this can take a while so stick with it. Add more raisins if the mixture is too dry). Pinch off small amounts and roll into balls or mini egg shapes, then roll in a little more desiccated coconut to coat. Place in a freezer box and keep frozen until required. 

 

For a nice Easter alternative, process as above then place the mixture between two sheets of parchment on a baking tray and roll out to 3mm thick. Scatter some more desiccated coconut on top then place in the fridge for 30 mins to firm up. Use an Easter bunny cutter (or similar) to cut out shapes removing the mixture between each one and rolling that into balls or egg shapes as above. Freeze the bunnies interleaved with parchment and the balls/eggs in a separate container.