I love playdates. They used to be part of my weekly life, I miss them so much. The time was so rich. Kids playing, moms having a million and a half conversations interrupted by the sweet kids. Good times, fun snacks, happy moms and kids. Some of my favorite recipes have come from other moms, shared during playdates. I have sweet memories to go with each special recipe. Today I am sharing a recipe from a friend who I love to talk food with (we have similar philosophies which makes it even more fun!) but I haven’t had the chance to really talk with her in way too long. Sharing this recipe with you today reminds me how much I miss her, and my other “playdate friends.” All of you who I’ve spent sweet hours with in the past please know those times kept me sane and I am hoping to have a few this summer when I take a break from “formal” homeschooling. I miss you all!
Now back to the recipe. This one is awesome! It tastes like spring, summer, and fun times to me. It is quick and easy to throw together, no oven needed, and these cashew balls are nice and filling! A fun and delicious snack for adults and kids alike.
My favorite part of this recipe is the lime. The tart flavor compliments the coconut and cashews so well. The raisins and/or dried cranberries are the “glue” that holds these balls together. I have made these using all raisins, all cranberries, and a combination of the two, all three options are great so let your pantry and tastes guide you! One last thing, I like these balls chilled best, but they are really good straight out of the food processor too (I never have enough self control to wait to try one until they are cold!)
Lime & Coconut Cashew Balls
Adapted from here
- 1 cup raw cashews
- 1/2 cup raisins and/or dried cranberries
- 3 Tbs. ground flax
- Pinch of salt
- Zest from one small lime
- Juice from one small lime
- 1/3-1/2 cup shredded coconut (I prefer unsweetened)
Pour the cashews in the bowl of your food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped.
Add the raisins or dried cranberries and mix until the ingredients congeal (the raisins or cranberries are REALLY chopped up.) This takes at least a minute.
Add the ground flax, salt, lime zest and lime juice. Mix throughly. Measure out 1 tablespoon sized balls.
Pour shredded coconut onto a plate and roll 1 tablespoon sized balls in the coconut. Repeat until all balls are rolled. Store in the refrigerator.
The kitchen is where I express myself. It is where I go when I need to process or escape. Cooking is my creative outlet and my stress reliever. When I am in my kitchen, my ingredients listen to me, they do what I want, and I can produce something that is satisfying, tasty, and healthy without it whining or talking back to me! Join me as I journey through life in my kitchen. 
