Recipe: Shira Levy’s no-bake nut balls

Shira Levy’s no-bake nut balls

Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 30 pieces

Note: Shira Levy of Florida makes these nut balls for mishloach manot every Purim and often throughout the year. To vary the recipe, you can use dried cranberries, a few drops of vanilla or rum extract, a tablespoon or more of carob or cocoa powder, or pecans, cashews, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds or sesame seeds to the mixture and then grind till uniform. Use silicon decorative mini-ice-cube trays to create attractive shapes: Press the mixture into the trays, and put them in the freezer for at least an hour or two. They pop out easily once they are frozen. Levy shares other recipes and tips at her blog, silver-gal.blogspot.com.

1 cup unsalted almonds

1 cup unsalted walnuts

2 cups raisins

6 pitted dates

1 cup finely chopped unsweetened shredded coconut

1. In a food processor, chop the almonds and walnuts finely and then add the raisins and dates. Process till the mixture is uniform and sticky.

2. Using greased hands, roll the mixture into 30 (1-inch) balls and place on a large plate.

3. Pour the shredded coconut into another plate and roll the balls in it. Alternatively, the coconut may be incorporated into the nut ball mixture.

4. To serve the nut balls, pack in mini baking cup papers.

Each piece: 113 calories; 2 grams protein; 14 grams carbohydrates; 2 grams fiber; 6 grams fat; 2 grams saturated fat; 0 cholesterol; 10 grams sugar; 2 mg. sodium.