matcha pistachio date balls
Filled with healthy fats, and naturally sweetened with dates, these lovely little mouthfuls are packed with a mighty antioxidant punch thanks to the addition of oh-so-trendy matcha green tea. Love it or hate it, matcha adds a certain earthy depth of flavor to these balls, elevating them to something that is not only perfect for snacking, but equally appropriate on any party platter; a refreshing change from trays of overly-dry, sugar-laden party desserts. I served them for New Years Eve once and they were gobbled up long before midnight. :)
• 4 oz. (about 1 cup) shelled, unsalted pistachios (plus more for coating)
• 4 oz. (about 1 cup) unsalted almonds, preferable raw or sprouted
• 12 large, soft medjool dates, pitted and halved
• 2 tsp. matcha green tea powder (plus more for rolling)
• 1 tsp. orange zest
• Juice from half an orange
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
In a large, high-powered food processor, process pistachios and almonds until coarsely chopped. Add dates, matcha powder, orange zest, juice, and salt, and pulse in short intervals until mixture comes together to form a sticky, thick dough, scraping down the sides of the processor with a rubber spatula as needed.
Finely chop an additional handful of pistachios, and mix with remaining 1 tsp. matcha powder in a small, shallow dish. With wet hands (to help prevent sticking) form the date-nut mixture into 1-inch balls, and gently roll in the pistachio-matcha mixture until evenly coated. Refrigerate until ready to serve, and keep leftovers in the fridge.