My lovely friend and yogi mama, Lou from Yogi Tree (you might remember her from Fridge Scrapings fame) came up with this amazing recipe and I begged her to let me share it with you! Enjoy!

Caramel Popcorn Balls

Vital Stats: vegan – nut/gluten/refined sugar free

So, this is what you need:

1 cup coconut butter*
20 sulphur free dates 
6 cups air popped organic popcorn
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup warm water

Okay, so this is how you do it:

Start off with coconut butter and popcorn in your food processor – whizz for about a minute…. slowly start adding dates one by one through the shoot. Add vanilla/salt and finally slowly drizzle water in bit by bit.

You should end up with a very crumbly mix – it’s actually easier to make bars, so if you prefer simply press into a baking tray lined with baking paper. To make balls, you need to squeeze the mix quite a few times in the palm for your hand before very gently patting into bite-shapes. Place in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

MOST EXCELLENT when drizzled with dark chocolate (just saying).

*How to make coconut butter: 

If you have a food processor and a (big) bag of coconut you are approximately 12 minutes away from deliciousness. So easy, so delicious and HEALTHY (not to mention dirt cheap compared to store bought)….. COCONUT BUTTER!

The trick is to make a big batch, otherwise your food processor will struggle…. use at least 750g shredded or dessicated coconut. Whizz in your food processor, scraping down the sides every few minutes….. it will take at least 10 minutes, probably more. If your machine is struggling, then rest it every now and again (I will not be blamed for burnt-out motors!). I always add a good pinch of sea salt.

Soon you will have smooth, creamy, buttery-ness that can be consumed in OH so many ways. The awesome thing is that coconut butter will solidify at room temperature like coconut oil so drizzled on a frozen banana it becomes like “magic shell” ice cream topping.

About Lou:

Hi there lovely NNAM readers, my name is Louise Mackie, and among other things I am Mum to an energetic 3 & 1/2 year old, a yoga teacher, doula and wholefood cook.  I have recently started my business Yogi Tree on the Gold Coast which focuses on a few holistic “branches” of wellbeing (a few being because I have SO many interests & passions I can’t limit it to one).

Basically, my passion is helping women feel empowered to have beautiful, healthy birthing experiences through yoga, mindfulness, meditation, and good food.  Preparation and education is key – starting awesome habits during pregnancy sets up your whole family for maintaining a healthy and positive lifestyle. If you live on the Gold Coast, I would love to see you at one of my yoga classes!

Get in touch with Lou:  Website  Facebook