Candy

The healthy dessert that will delight your senses: Cashew and Sunflower Seed Treats

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooling time: 15 minutes
Total: 25 minutes
Servings: 12-15 treats

Hello dear cooking enthusiast! Today, I will share with you a delicious and healthy recipe for treats, perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings in a natural way. These little delights are not only quick to prepare but also packed with nutrients, making them ideal for an energizing snack between meals or even to impress friends at a gathering.

The history of these treats is linked to the raw vegan movement, which promotes the consumption of unprocessed foods. This allows for the preservation of essential nutrients and natural enzymes that aid digestion. Let’s see together how we can recreate this simple and quick recipe!

Necessary ingredients:

- 150 g cashews
- 100 g sunflower seeds
- 150 g raisins
- 30 g carob powder (you can substitute with cocoa, but carob offers a sweeter flavor)
- 15 g cocoa (optional, for a chocolate note)
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder (an exotic spice that will add a refined flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (for a warm and comforting aroma)
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil (optional, but recommended for a creamier texture)
- 1-2 tablespoons water (to bind the mixture)

Preparation technique:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure you have all the ingredients at room temperature. If the cashews and sunflower seeds are raw and unsalted, they will contribute to a purer taste. Try to use unsweetened raisins.

2. Processing the nuts: Start by adding the cashews and sunflower seeds to the food processor equipped with an S blade. Process for 3-4 minutes until they become a buttery paste. It’s important to stop occasionally to scrape the sides of the processor, so the ingredients mix evenly.

3. Adding wet ingredients: Add the raisins, carob powder, cocoa, cardamom, and cinnamon to the bowl of the processor. If you are using coconut oil, it should be melted so that it easily integrates into the mixture. Process again until all ingredients are completely homogenized and the mixture becomes similar to a sticky dough.

4. Binding the mixture: Now, add 1-2 tablespoons of water to help form the treats. Mix again until the mixture becomes easy to shape. If it is too dry, you can add a little more water, but be careful not to make it too wet.

5. Shaping the treats: With wet hands, take small amounts of the dough and form balls about 2-3 cm in diameter. These will be delicious treats, full of flavors!

6. Cooling: Place the treats on a plate or platter and refrigerate for about 15 minutes. If you want to enjoy them sooner, you can also put them in the freezer for the same period. Cooling will make them firmer and easier to handle.

Serving and combinations

These treats are delicious served plain, but you can roll them in shredded coconut or cocoa powder for a special look and taste. You can serve them alongside a cup of green tea or a fruit smoothie for a healthy snack. They are also perfect to be added to kids' lunch boxes at school, being a healthy alternative to store-bought candies.

Useful tips

- Customization: You can also add other ingredients, such as chia seeds or ground nuts, for extra texture and nutrients.
- Storage: Treats can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or even longer if kept in the freezer.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: Each treat has about 50-60 calories, being rich in healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins. Cashews are an excellent source of protein, and raisins provide a quick energy boost due to their natural sugar content.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other nuts? Yes, you can replace cashews with almonds or pecans for a different flavor.
2. What can I use instead of raisins? You can use dates or dried figs, which will add a natural sweetness.
3. Are they suitable for vegans? Absolutely! These treats are vegan and gluten-free.

Now that you have all the necessary information, it's time to start cooking! These cashew and sunflower seed treats are not only healthy but also a pleasure to enjoy. Enjoy your meal! Best, Valentina.

 Ingredients: 150 g cashews, 100 g sunflower seeds, 150 g raisins, 30 g carob powder, 15 g cocoa, 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 2 tablespoons coconut oil (optional), 1 tablespoon water