Carob Chestnut Balls

carobchestnutI love these babies. I’ve made them for a while, and finally wrote down the recipe…only to lose it in the shuffle of a kitchen remodel. But no worries! The new, improved version is even yummier (I think). So check out these gluten/dairy/egg/soy/corn/sugar/caffeine free vegan babies and know that no matter what you can eat, there’s always a way to make life very tasty.

Chestnuts are awesome. They give a wonderful moist creamy feel to the treats, and using the pre-peeled ones makes it super easy. I just will have to remember to stock up to have them all year long!

The balls do taste chocolat-y, especially if you add the chocolate liquor. Or if you aren’t avoiding chocolate, rolling them in cocoa powder or adding an ounce of melted cocoa mass instead of the cashew butter makes someone’s brain think chocolate. But carob has a lovely flavor of its own that I appreciate it best for what it is, rather than trying to make it into something it isn’t (i.e. pretending it’s chocolate)

8 oz drained whole peeled chestnuts (I use the TJ’s box)
6 brazil nuts, preferably toasted
1 Tbsp cashew butter (or other nut butter)
1/3 cup agave nectar
1/3 cup coconut oil
1/2 cup carob powder
1/4 tsp stevia concentrate
1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
1 tsp vanilla
splash chocolate liquor, such as godiva (optional)

Blend chestnuts, brazil nuts and cashew butter until they are mostly ground down, then add the agave and coconut oil until you get a nice smooth paste. Add in the rest of the ingredients, pulse until well blended. Scoop into a bowl, chill for 30-60 min. Roll in powdered sugar, powdered coconut sugar, cocoa powder or a mix.

Mmmm. They keep well, but I’ve rarely tested that out.

About Cheryl Harris

Life played a funny trick on me. I've studied nutrition for years, and much to my surprise, found out that I could manage many of my health issues via diet. I've been GF for years, and I've got a bunch of allergies and sensitivities. But it definitely doesn't keep me from cooking, baking and enjoying my food. Thanks for stopping by.
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6 Responses to Carob Chestnut Balls

  1. VeggieGirl says:

    LOOOVE carob! Holy yum 🙂

  2. Ricki says:

    Man, do these sound phenomenal! Can’t wait to try ’em. 🙂

  3. Pingback: Menu plan monday Dec 7th « Gluten Free Goodness

  4. I love carob – I know some people don’t but I think the flavor is fantastic. I agree that pretending it’s chocolate does it no justice.

    I’ve never used chestnuts that I had to drain before – only water chestnuts. I am sure they’re not the same thing. Where do you get yours?

    Thanks for linking to Slightly Indulgent Tuesdays!

  5. I get the chestnuts from Trader Joes. They’re great!

  6. Pingback: Slightly Indulgent Tuesday 12/8/09 : Simply Sugar & Gluten-Free

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