Whoa.  I couldn’t quit these little things.  I even heard – “best balls ever” a time or two.  Not kidding.

I found and adapted this recipe from Chowvida.  The original recipe called for sugar, but I used dates instead to give it some natural sweetener and added some protein in there too to give some extra goodness.  (And also to make you feel a little better about eating one…or ten.)

Super simple, super delicious, and this really comes out as an elegant little snack!  They can sometimes turn out a little gooey, so freeze these little guys to harden them up some.

Ingredients:

• 2- 3 small avocados
• 7 oz dark chocolate (about 1/2 cup, melted) or Good Life chocolate chips
• 3 dates
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder and extra for topping
• 3/4 scoop of Vega chocolate protein

Process:

1.  Cut the avocados in half, remove the seed, and spoon the flesh into a small mixing bowl.  Using a fork (or a potato masher), mash the avocado really well, until smooth and no chunks remain.
2. Melt the chocolate in the microwave 30 seconds at a time, stirring until melted or melt on the stove in a double boiler.
3. Add the dates, 1-2 tbsp of cocoa powder and the melted chocolate to the avocado mixture, use a fork or a mixer to combine very thoroughly.
4. Place the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes, until partially set (some people say they’ve needed up to 1 hour chilling time, which may depend on your chocolate).  You can also place in the freezer if you’re impatient like me!  Meanwhile, put the remaining 1 tbsp of cocoa powder onto a small plate.  Actually, keep the cocoa on hand because you’re going to want more than 1 tbs!
5. Remove the mix from the fridge, (resist eating all of it right then and there), and using a spoon, scoop a dollop of the mix into your hand (estimate enough to make about a 1″ ball).  Using your hands, place the chocolate on the plate with with the cocoa powder and roll into a ball.  Place the balls on a plate, or baking sheet, then repeat the rolling process with the rest of the mixture.
6. You can sprinkle more cocoa powder over if you’d like, or just eat them!  Store these in an airtight container in the fridge!  ENJOY the heck out of them!