Sweet Saturdays #69

Nutty Fruit Balls

These healthy treats are loved by kids. They are great for busy days when getting fruit into your kids might be difficult.

Ingredients

• About 1 ½ cups small firm fresh dates
• 2 cups boiling water
• 1 ¼ cups coarsely chopped walnuts, divided
• ½ cup dried apricots, cut in ¼-inch pieces
• ¼ cup golden or dark raisins
• ¼ cup dried cranberries
• ½ tsp. finely grated orange zest
• 2 tbsp. freshly squeezed orange juice
• ¼ tsp. ground allspice
• 2 tbsp. dry bread crumbs

Directions

1. Using a paring knife, cut along the length of each date and pop out the pit. In a heatproof bowl, combine dates with boiling water and steep for 1 minute. Drain. Using a fork, press dates against the side of the bowl until a paste forms. Set aside.
2. In a small mixing bowl, combine ½ cup walnuts, apricots, raisins, cranberries, orange zest, juice and allspice. Add fruit mixture to date paste and mix well.
3. Finely chop remaining ¾ cup walnuts. In a small bowl, mix walnuts with bread crumbs.
4. With moistened hands, roll fruit mixture into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in the bread crumb mixture until completely coated. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Bible Readings: 1 Kings 1-2, Luke 19:28-48