Walnut Raisin Balls

There is a healthy amount of flexibility here. I have a feeling you could throw in a ¼ cup of ground flax or wheat germ without any problems.

1 cup shelled walnut pieces, raw or roasted
1/3 cup raisins
5 dates, pitted
2 tablespoons brown rice syrup or 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)

Put the walnuts, raisins, dates, syrup, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse for 20-30 seconds until the walnuts are the sized of large crumbs and the mixture is starting to clump together.

Scoop the walnut mixture out of the processor bowl and roll into small balls with your hands. Put coconut in a small shallow bowl and roll balls in the coconut to coat. If you choose to skip the coconut, the balls will be a little sticky, but still edible. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Makes approximately 20 balls.
Prep time: 15 minutes