coconut cardamom pistachio bombs

It is true in life that oftentimes you have to turn backwards in order to move forwards; fully letting go of the dream of a life you once longed for in order to open your heart and soul to the possibility of a future self you have yet to truly meet; learning from your past, but giving yourself space to not be defined by it; trusting that tomorrow will be full of new growth and opportunity. Humans, like the seasons, are wonder-filled and ever-changing. 

These far out little bombs (macaroons maybe?) are a remix of another OG offbeat kitchen experiment from my past. Elevated and reimagined to suit my tastes now, they are perfect for a healthy snack or slightly-sweet treat, full of healthy fats and a super-powered boost of spirulina, which give them their witchy hue. With a gloomy Halloween directly on the horizon, I can't think of a better treat to eat.

• 1 3/4 cup + 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup pistachios
• 2 tbsp. canned, full-fat coconut milk, or canned coconut cream
• 3 tbsp. maple syrup
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 tsp. spirulina powder (see NOTE)
• 1 heaping 1/4 tsp. cardamom, freshly ground
• 1/4 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt

In the bowl of a food processor, process 1 3/4 cup of the unsweetened coconut until it begins to break down and turns into a thick paste, scraping down the sides of the processor with a spatula occasionally as you go. This takes a few minutes so be patient.

Add 1/4 cup of pistachios, the coconut milk, maple syrup, vanilla, spirulina, cardamom, cinnamon, and salt, and continue to pulse/process until fully combined and a sticky dough is formed. Using a rubber spatula, scrape mixture into a medium bowl, and stir in remaining 1/2 cup shredded coconut until fully combined.

Finely chop the remaining 1/4 cup pistachios and place in a shallow bowl or plate. Form the coconut-spirulina dough into tablespoon sized balls, then roll in the pistachio crumbs, pressing the larger pieces in to ensure they stay in place. Eat immediately, or store in the refridgerator to devour at a moment's notice. 

NOTE: Spirulina can be found in the bulk section of many co-op or natural foods grocery store. I also buy this brand on Amazon. A little goes a long way!