I have a new addiction.
It’s Yelp.
I’m checking in everywhere. All the time. To see my daily ranking go up, to collect badges and Dukedoms. Yes, I am a Duchess now. Do Duchii wear crowns? Because I’d like to wear a crown.
There are some actual benefits to Yelping – I’ve been invited to a couple VIP events already – but so far I am only interested in the stats, and becoming The Duchess of as many places as I can. Soon I will be Duchess of the gym – yes, that one is near.
I realize this is old news for many, and for some, it’s a Huh?? It’s probably similar to Angry Birds or Farm Whatever (which I learned how to block on facebook, by the way!).
It once more confirms that I am obsessive delighted by the little things. That sometimes the little things are key.
Recently I was sent a huge box of goodies from Bard Valley Natural Delights. Medjool dates. Coconut date rolls. Pistachio date rolls. All kinds of deliciousness.
While we have been eating many of the dates as is – which is caramely candy like goodness – I did save some to make a few recipes with. This is the first one I’m sharing with you – a very easy and uniquely flavored treat. You know I love my tahini. This recipe does not have added sugars – if you’ve enjoyed a Medjool you know it is not necessary. Also, sprouted almonds. Have you tried these yet?
What. You’re going to tell me sprouted almonds are like Yelp, old news.
That’s okay, they are delicious and they are a party I am fine to be late to.
tahini almond date bites
vegan, gluten free, no added sugar
makes 20-22 1-inch bites
12-14 large dates, pitted
1/2 cup raw almonds (I used sprouted)
1/3 cup tahini
pinch sea salt
1-2 tablespoons water
1/4 cup sesame seeds to coat
In food processor, pulse almonds until crumbly, partly smooth. Add dates, tahini and salt, continue to process. Texture will still be slightly crumbly – add water (1 tablespoon at a time) and dough should quickly form. Form into 1 inch rounds, roll in sesame seeds to coat, and roll in hands to flatten sesame seeds into ball. Cool in refrigerator to firm.
I just ate several of these, and now it’s time to do some stretching – I have a downward dog lesson from my favorite yogi (look at that perfect form!). I need to find a yoga studio to become Duchess of.
Post sponsored by Bard Valley Natural Delights. My absolute love of Medjool dates is unbiased.
Lisa B says
I like Yelp too 🙂
These balls are so pretty—I love the sesame seeds on the outside! The flavor combo sounds great too, with the contrast between the tahini and dates especially (I’m guessing that creates a nice balance!).
Happy Weekend Friend!
spabettie says
the flavors are good – I like a sweet and savory. I hope you have a great weekend too, Lisa B! (Basil wags hello!) 🙂
Liz (Little Bitty Bakes) says
Mmmm, dates – nature’s candy! Love ’em and can’t get enough, seriously! (probably hard to believe coming from a candy/cookie fanatic)
The bites seem like they would end up sort of Larabar-like, which is definitely a good thing!
spabettie says
yes, I actually thought about making bars out of these. or longer strips, anyway… they do resemble a larabar…
Kath (My Funny Little Life) says
Aww, these bites look perfect! The ground covering also fits perfectly. 🙂
spabettie says
YAY, someone noticed the decor! 😀 I thought it was a nice touch…
lindsay says
i’m a yelpaholic too! lets yelp together.
And dates are so cheap here. The good kind! i could make these. Not as pretty as your though.
😉
spabettie says
sure you could – and they would be pretty too. I’m thinking of a marmite ball next…
Wendy says
Totally making these this weekend. Going to sprout my almonds today. You should checkout anti gravity yoga. CRAZY. http://Www.gravitaspdx.com my new addiction/obsession. See ya soon.
spabettie says
hope you like them, Wendy! and WOW – Gravitas looks fun, I may work up the nerve to try it sometime 😉 see you soon!
curlsz says
I love dates – nature’s carmel candy! Trying these tonight!!
spabettie says
hope you like them!
curlsz says
really yummy but holy $%# that was messy making them – I definitely need a better food processor too!
spabettie says
uh oh… dates can be messy, I guess… I use them so much I don’t notice, maybe? was it worth it, did you like the flavor enough? 😀
curlsz says
they are good – a bit rich so i brought them to my office where I knew all the sweet tooth hounds would devour. i usually put dates in hot water and puree for baked goods – fantastic
Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga says
Oh these look gorgeous and delish and stunning photos!
spabettie says
thanks, Averie!
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says
Oh YUM! I love dates! You know, I’ve never actually bought tahini? I think I need to change that now.
spabettie says
yes, you do! although I am making a marmite bite next… 😉
Heather (Where's the Beach) says
Oh wow. Those are so elegant! Really need to remember these for a wine tasting party. As always, thank you for your inspiration!
spabettie says
you are welcome! hope these are a hit at wine tasting – I think they’d be perfect!
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen says
These things are gorgeous! I’ve actually somehow avoided buying tahini forever. I really need to buck up though and grab some between these and all the hummus options out there with it.
spabettie says
I use tahini a lot… LOVE it! I hope you make these, I think you’ll like them! happy weekend, Gina! <3