Chocolate Earth Balls

Source: The Whole Foods Market Cookbook

This easy, no-bake recipe makes a sweet and healthful treat for after school or in a lunch box. These rich morsels are like chocolate truffles for children. They offer lots of mouth appeal because they are chewy, crunchy, and smooth all at the same time. Kids can help make them and decorate with raisins and nuts to create their own planet!

1 cup peanut butter
1/3 cup clover or orange blossom honey
2 teaspoons carob powder or unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup raisins
3/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut, divided
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/4 cup sesame seeds
1/4 cup finely chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans work best)

Before measuring the peanut butter, stir it up well. Mix the peanut butter, honey, and carob powder until well combined. Stir in the raisins and only 1/8 cup of the coconut. Stir in the chocolate chips. Refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours.

Place the remaining coconut, sesame seeds, and nuts into 3 separate bowls. Using a spoon, scoop small heaps of the peanut mixer from the bowl; then roll into 1 1/4-inch balls. Rolling is easier if you form a rough ball, roll in the coconut, and then continue rolling into a more perfect shape. Roll each finished ball in more of the coconut and in the sesame seeds and chopped nuts. Arrange the balls on a plate, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Serves 4.

Per serving: 783 calories; 53 g fat (16 g saturated fat; 61 percent calories from fat); 72 g carbohydrates; 0 mg cholesterol; 310 mg sodium; 21 g protein; 9 g fiber