Cherry Cacao Bites

I have to start this post with a little note that I absolutely hate chocolate covered cherries.  But as it turns out, tart unsweetened plain cherries mixed with cacao and a couple other delicious items like coconut flakes and vanilla makes it not only bearable, but a lovely combination of tart and sweet with that antioxidant boost that we all can use.

Cherry Cacao Bites

yields 15-20 small cookies

Ingredients:

20-35 tart unsweetened cherries (with nothing added, Trader Joe's currently has these for not-too-expensive)**

2 tablespoons raw cacao nibs

1-1/2 tablespoons raw cacao powder

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 cup reduced fat unsweetened shredded coconut

1 tablespoon coconut flour

1 heaping teaspoon coconut oil, not melted

1/4 cup filtered water

optional: add 2 tablespoons of vegan nondairy rice chocolate chips 

Directions: 

Food process until all ingredients come together like so:

Add water last, adding only as much as needed.  Divide into little balls and chill.

**I used a few prunes and 3 dates and 20 cherries.  For that true cherry cacao combo, use all cherries.  I was just being frugal.

Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Will keep 5-7 days.

If you have never tried Enjoy Life brand rice chocolate, do so now.  Or maybe not; you'll be addicted and will find ways to sneak those mini morsels into everything.