My little girl is a super fussy eater. It’s both her age (3.5) and her sensory issues (autism). So instead of always forcing her to eat nutritious foods, I hide them in treats. That’s not to say I never offer healthy foods, the opposite is true.
Some days I just want an easy ride, you know what I mean?
One particular favourite of mine for hiding the good stuff is bliss balls. I’m sure the name comes from the bliss you feel watching your child eat hidden vegetables.
I’ve provided the basic recipe, but there are so many possibilities for add ins. Let me give you some ideas.
5 ways to boost bliss balls for good nutrition
In step 2 add:
- A tablespoon of tahini, nut butter or pureed apple/pear/pumpkin/avocado
- 2 tablespoons of very finely grated carrot, zucchini or beetroot (trust me, you can’t see it once the cacao powder works its magic)
- 1-2 tablespoons of protein powder, vegetable powder (like Superfood for Kidz) or psyllium husk
- A tablespoon of sesame seeds, linseeds, rolled oats or even crushed cereal crumbs from the bottom of the pack (no waste!)
In step 1 add:
- If you need your child to be a bit more regular throw in a few prunes or dried pears.
Good luck Mums and Dads, and if you think of a particularly sneaky addition, I’d love to hear it!
Christie x
Bliss balls for kids recipe
(Dairy free, gluten free, refined sugar free – and still yummy!)
makes about 20 depending on how big you roll them
- 1 cup nuts (any you like, such as pecans, almonds, walnuts or macadamias)
- 10 medjool* dates, pitted
- 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup, or brown rice syrup to make vegan)
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (optional, but works to preserve them a little longer)
- 4 tablespoons raw cacao powder (or plain cocoa, but not drinking chocolate)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional, but full of omega 3 and 6 for brain power!)
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut (or sesame seeds)
Place nuts in food processor and blitz until the consistency of breadcrumbs. You can leave them a bit chunkier for texture if you/your kids like it. Add dates and blitz until finely chopped.
Add all the other ingredients and blitz until the mixture pulls into a ball. It might just thicken and stick to the sides, that’s ok too. You will know it is done if you pinch a bit of mixture and it sticks together.
Dampen your hands, then roll small balls in the palm of your hand until round. Press into coconut. Put into the fridge to chill for about 1 hour until they are nice and firm. They keep for about a week in the fridge (if they last that long!).
*Note: Medjool dates are fresh dates found in the fridge in the fruit section of the supermarket. If you can only get your hands on dried dates (in a packet) then soak them in warm water for about 30 mins and then drain before using in step 1.
