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Sunday, September 12, 2010

Los Bombones de Marly

date balls real

Marly's Bonbons!

This post is sort of a follow-up post to my 'Sugar Addiction & Scary Things' post. Some of you may have read my thoughts on sugar and excess carbohydrates in reference to body chemistry. Although the hefty length of that post might have discouraged quite a few of you;). Either way, I've been avoiding all cane and beet sugars (refined or not) along with things like A.P. flour, white rice, white bread, & the like.

I must say that it was hard at first. Not only in the realm of addiction and cravings either. Though I had plenty of that-no doubt. It was also hard as someone who blogs though. I mean, baking was and is such a large part of my culinary life. And it's hard to no longer be able to strut over to the kitchen and bake up something wonderful with my existing culinary knowledge that makes baking so very easy to do when sugar and A.P. flour are on the scene.

All of sudden, I've had to actually think about what I'm going to bake and how!? And this involves a lot of research, experimenting, failures, happy surprises and the like. It also involves me having to come to terms with the fact that I'm not going to have a picture of some lovely yellow cake smothered in rich milk chocolate on FoodGawker. Well, I might. If my experimenting goes as planned...

Till then, I made Ms. Marly's lovely, no-bake date bonbons! They are so easy & delicious. Plus, I don't have to feel bad about eating them. Well, not unless I eat a whole lot them!


















Marly's Bonbons
2 Cups of Dates (Deglet Nour)
2 Cups of Raw Nuts*
1/4 Cup of Organic Cocoa**
2 Tbsp. Coconut Flakes
1/4 Tsp. Orange Blossom Water + some for hands
Sesame seeds, desiccated coconut, crushed pistachio/almond, cocoa for rolling

*I used raw cashew pieces.
**Green & Blacks Organic Cocoa is excellent!

Place dates and nuts in a food processor and process until quite smooth-this took me about 1 full minute to do, though it may take more or less time depending on the processor. Once pretty smooth, add the orange blossom water, coconut flakes, and cocoa. Process for another 30-45 seconds or until smooth.

Once your mixture looks smooth or at least to your desired consistency, pour a touch of orange blossom water onto your clean hands (the water helps with rolling while perfuming the bonbons). Take about 1-1/2 Tbsp. of date mix and roll between your palms till you have a nice ball. Roll the ball in coconut or desired coating. Repeat this process till done.
Note: You do not have to continually put orange blossom water on your hands-just when they feel too sticky to roll a smooth ball.

Enjoy!


















Note: Marly does not use orange blossom water in her recipe. If you do not have any, do not let this discourage you from making these wonderful, healthy treats!

62 comments:

  1. I have to ask---do they taste like dates? Or do they take on the taste of the cocoa and nuts?

    And pfft. You can get a picture of pretty date bonbons on Foodgawker. Screw the cake!

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  2. These are amazing and healthy! How do you do it?! Can't wait to try them.

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  3. I adore date/nut "balls". You know what's amazing? Adding a bit of fresh peppermint or chocolate mint to the recipe. They taste like peppermint patties. Mmm. :D

    I love the addition of orange flower water! :)

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  4. omgoodness these look amazing! please send some over my way!

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  5. Hey Stella,

    Woah! These look totally sinful, or maybe you would prefer the term "wicked" more. Although we all know you're far from that kind of witch (smile). These seriously look wickedly awesome! If they didn't contain nuts, I'd gobble up as many as you could (not)bake (wink), and I know how you love to bake so that would be a lot. I bet these would go well with your mango drink too. Well, off to pack for K's first day of school tomorrow. Hope you had a lovely weekend. By the looks of these date bonbons, seems like you did. Until next time my witchy friend.

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  6. These look so scrumptious and addictive! And healthy at the same time - a perfect treat!

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  7. These look soooo good! I love all of the ingredients in them and that they are vegan! I have to try making these!

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  8. I've enjoyed coconut covered dates from the local health food store but I didn't realize how simple it would be to make something similar from scratch. Yours look 10x better than the store versions!
    With photography skills like this, I'm sure you will convert a lot of sugar junkies. :D

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  9. Hey, Stella! I actually don't know if I even own mint extract (I probably have it collecting dust in one of the cabinets haha), but I make these with the mint I have growing. I have peppermint and chocolate mint. :) For the fresh mint, I just stuck the leaves of a few short sprigs of mint in the processor. I'm not sure how much extract should be used for the recipe since I've never done it, but I've read that it's very strong, so maybe 1/8 of a teaspoon? I'd start with that amount at least and then you can taste the "dough" and add more if needed. :P But yes, I fully intend on making something similar to share at Christmas, since even my date-hating family members loved them! Although I guess I should try them out with extract since my mint won't be fresh come Christmas. By the way, I used almonds for the ones that I made, but I'm sure cashews would do splendidly. :)
    And I like the Neely's relationship with each other, but it's such a cheesefest (Sometimes literally, too - they don't exactly make the same kind of food that I do!) that I get a little bit annoyed. FN probably does make them do that. I would be a bit scared if they really did act like that in real life. XD

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  10. mm bon bons! this look great and sound like they are healthy..I don't see anything bad in them. What a great recipe!

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  11. So curious! You always have a way a tempting me with non-naughty things! I've made plenty of truffles in my day, but never date balls. Excited to try them!

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  12. These looks healthy and addictive. I don't think I can stop at one :D Looks fun to make. I would love to try. Thanks very much for sharing.

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  13. I'll have to try this, sounds delicious and I adore dates!

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  14. These look like pure little bites of happiness and sweetness :-) And with so many good nutriments in the dates and nuts, it is a very healthy snack!
    I am looking forward to read more about your baking experimentations... being myself doing the same, with not so much success yet... I once read about a recipe using prunes, both as sweetener and as fat and almonds as flour, but can't find it anymore:-(
    Good luck with your moving! Moving out is always quite an adventure!

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  15. Those bonbons look divine! A healthy treat that looks so great.

    Cheers,

    Rosa

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  16. Stellina...how many ways can I say...I do feel your pain and frustration. I relate on every level you've stated so brilliantly. From refined sugars to flour...yes...they aren't friendly to our systems...however, we do need to get real, especially when others in our lives are not in complete sync with our decisions. Slowly they are coming around...baby steps.

    About sharing this very yummy truffle looking date delicacy...you succeeded them wonderfully. I would also use the orange blossom water. Speaking of which...I don't know what kind you use...but I've been told that the Tunisian kind is one of the best ;o)

    Have a fabulous week.
    Ciao for now,
    Claudia

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  17. I give you great credit for making your dietary changes, Stella. You're getting so creative! I love this little mouthful...they look just like truffles. Must be some surprised expressions when they bite into them. I love dates to begin with so I'm ahead of the game.
    Are you going to forgive me for continuing to post recipes with sugar and flour???

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  18. I will be making these next weekend for our treat-for-the-weekend. However, my taste buds for some reason are put off the the "blossom stuff". Think I'll exclude that.... The dates and nuts and other natural ingredients will speak for themselves... thanks for this great and easy and healthful recipe suggestion... PM

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  19. These little bites look so tempting! I love the ones that look like snowballs. Avoiding sugar and all the "white" foods is no easy feat, I do admire your willpower and creativity!

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  20. You are a great woman and you are going to come up with so many creative recipes and ideas...I'm sure. And these little date balls look and sound delicious! They remind me of a larabar, except in much cuter packages. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us...and your recipes, of course!

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  21. Those are so pretty and tempting. Love the recipe and photos :)

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  22. great recipe! I usually eat medjool dates as a sweet snack, they taste like toffe!
    I've seen these snacks before and theya lways look so tasty! great post!:)

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  23. I think you are doing a great job figuring out what to bake and how to bake it will cutting out the carbs and sugars. It ain't easy, I'm with you! These look very good and the pictures are wonderful.

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  24. Stella, I'm so honored to have you mention my site on your post. You know, I was inspired to find that recipe because of your post on sugar. It all started with you! I agree with the previous comment - these look wicked good! I love the idea of naming them bon bons!! It's all so good!

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  25. Great blog you have here, Stella. Greetings from Colorado. Kirsten

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  26. Dates are one of my most favorite foods in the world...they hit the spot and are instant energy!!

    Can I just say that I admire you for giving up sugar and other white processed foods? I have managed to give up most of them but white rice + me are inseparable. I can eat bowls of it with salt...is that just sick or what?

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  27. Another magic happened by you Stella! These gem balls are so adorable. I would eat them all with guilt-free!

    So, can I borrow your magic now?

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  28. ♥ these Stella! delicious.... you could probably throw in Coconut Butter....delicious!

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  29. Ooh, I bet these smell absolutely heavenly!

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  30. Wow! My mother used to make something very similar;thank you for posting this recipe. They are wonderful. You are an anger witch!

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  31. These look extremely good and so healthy. You definitely tempted me to try them. First time visiting your beautiful blog.

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  32. Hey Stella, great minds think alike (re. the sweets)! Although, your bon bons are definitely more healthy than my choc caramels. The coconut looks lovely (I am going to do that next time), though a chocolate coating would not go astray either :)

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  33. This look amazing. Reminds me of chocolate truffles but the healthier version. I am going to try this out once I get some dates. By the way, thanks for dropping by my blog.

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  34. Yay dessert!!! And with dates too. Those are underutilized in so many recipes. Sugar is a bad thing but sweetness is not. These look so delicious I desperately want to try them.

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  35. Oh my Stella!!! Your photos are making me break out in a cold sweat! Date, coconut, cocoa and orange blossom water?! How could I possibly resist? But then, these ARE good (better?) for me. right? ;)

    Brilliant, beautiful, delicious!! Thank you :)

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  36. this has to be the best bombons I have ever seen! love the healthy alternative!

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  37. Stella, these little treats not only look yummie, they are healthy...hooray!

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  38. This sounds so easy and yet so delicious. I think I have all the ingredients in my pantry and fridge. I am out of Deglet Noor but I am sure Medjool would work.

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  39. I'll have one of those right now..., they look wonderful & a little sinful.., so maybe make that 2 (or 3). They're so easy too.
    Your photos are wonderful Stella.., you can tell how moist these little magical bits of heaven are... (am I gushing..., yes... I think I'm gushing). Oh dam it..... just pass me one OK :)

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  40. I love dates! I don't think I've had any since last winter. These bonbons look so yummy! They would make a nice gift for the holidays.

    I am working hard at cutting out the sugar and refined flours. Yesterday I gave in and let my son have a soda with his Santa Fe burrito and I really noticed such a mood swing. I have suspected for a long while that he has a real sensitivity to sugar intake. It's challenging to get kids to make wise decisions when it comes to food choices.

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  41. These are really nice bomboms....and the combination of ingredients are new to me.

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  42. Wow! What a treat. The Bulgarian work for candy is like the french word bon bons. These bomboms look spectacular.

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  43. These look beautiful - and I love the ingredient list! :) I'm thinking these would be the perfect treat to give to friends around Christmas.

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  44. A guilt free treat, oh yes please, they really do look sinfullly delsih...I love how you opted for cashews. I can imagine dates with cashews what a flavor boost, great recipe and foodgawker...what a pain..they never take my pics..
    sweetlife

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  45. Brilliant and delicious, of course Ms Stella! I have to say I have now made 2 round ball things and photographing them made me crazy... brown balls...yeeeek! You did a wonderful job both dark and light and the recipe couldn't be simpler, BRAVO!

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  46. These are great Stella! I make raw date bonbons ALL the time and usually fix them in up in lovely tins with fancy paper for holiday gifts. You can change the flavor a million ways but they best thing is...no gluten, no refined sugar and raw ingredients!

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  47. stella...we are SO on the same wavelength! I am trying my best(for a while now) to cut down on all sugars, becasue of energy depletion etc etc. It is SO hard, but reading your post here, inspires me to stick it out. and as you say...every time I'm seduced into making a beautiful sweet something for the sake of the blog en whop..there goes my intentions out the door! But no more. Experimenting, as you say...we'll do it. I'm going to try this delicacy! Oh...and beautiful photo...beautiful enough for Foodgawker!
    Bisous
    Ronelle

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  48. I guess with your witchiness and all you have all those secret extracts and potions denied us mere mortals. Mint. Yum. GREG

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  49. Mmmmm, I think I could definitely get about this train if I get to eat those!

    Lots of yummy love,
    Alex aka Ma What's For Dinner
    www.mawhats4dinner.com

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  50. No sugar? No white flour? And you're still coming up with delicious recipes?!? You are my hero, Stella :)

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  51. Maybe all this experimentation and thoughtfulness about baking is a blessing in disguise? After all, you found these lovely treats. They look so delicious. I adore dates!

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  52. Sorry my comment is late just returned from the land where date farms proliferate, Palm Desert! It was interesting to see the way they cover the dates with sacks that hang from the date palms, I guess to protect them from the birds. Anyway, I am thrilled to see your post, such a perfectly healthy sweet treat which you know I love. I will save this recipe to try soon, thanks for sharing:)

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  53. dates are such an awesome sugar substitute! I love Larabars which are essentially very similar to this but in bar form. So I'm sure I would love these little donut hole-esque treats! The best part being, of course, that I could eat more than one without guilt.

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  54. First I thought those were truffles! I love all the ingredients, and I have a weakness for anything with orange blossom water, beside they're so cute, they're just waiting to be eaten!

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  55. Stella, these are fantastic...I would probably ending eating way too many :)

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  56. Stella

    those vegan bon bons sound pretty darn good! I thought I had come so far, and then I see your commitment to doing away with sugars and AP flours. And for my money, your images are better than most I see on Food Gawker or Food Buzz! Maybe we need someone to start Vegan Gawker! and I don't mean just staring at vegan's, my counselor says that rude and I shouldn't do that anymore. :)

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  57. These are awesome! I am the same as you, in terms of foods I avoid, and no it is not easy some days! But we will get there!

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  58. Very nice, very pretty - and good for you! It must be very hard for you to read and comment on the ofl posts you have followed when you can't make or bake anything that inspires you from them, now... or, maybe you have just found the new healthy sites! Some of them are very inspiring, too, aren't they. I definitely consider health regarding everything I made, but am not denying anything in my diet, so much easier for me.
    :)
    valerie

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  59. These look delicious! and pretty :-) I will try them soon.

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