Holiday confections: Moon Drops

A few years ago, my friend brought me something she called, "Luna Balls." Now, being a freak of nature and all, I am not super into sugary, bready sweet things, and only rarely am in the mood for some sweet treats. But I have learned that people get offended when you demure from proffered confectioneries. So I accepted it. And was blown away at how much I enjoyed it. 

Since then I have tried to recreate it, and for this Valentine's Day, I think I have hit the mark. These are fairly "healthy," at least, as healthy as sweets can potentially be! Oatmeal, nuts, coconut oil, honey and almond butter make up the bulk of this wonderful treat, and you can boost the good-for-you quotient by adding some flax, dried fruits, or even chia seeds! 

 This smallish batch makes about 13 TB sized balls (heaping TB by the way) but you can double the recipe for 26. This size is just perfect for me, enough that I can eat a few, and share the rest with good friends.

 Moon Drops      
1/2 cup almond butter  
1/4 cup honey  
3 TB coconut oil 
1/2 cup oatmeal  1/2 cup coconut flakes 
1/4 cup chopped up nuts (walnuts are great) 
1/2 tsp vanilla 
1/2 tsp cinnamon 
1/2 tsp cardamom

optional:
1/4 cup additional items: dried cranberries, chopped dried figs, dates (or really any dried fruit), chocolate chips or cacao nibs for chocolate lovers (you can also dip/roll these in cocoa powder, or just add a few tablespoons of it to the mixture!)

for a healthy boost:
2 TB chia seeds, sesame seeds, or flax seeds

 Small batch makes about 13 TB sized balls (heaping TB by the way) but you can double the recipe for 26. This size is just perfect for me, enough that I can eat a few, and share the rest with good friends. 



Heat the almond butter, honey, and coconut oil in a saucepan on low until melted. Mix until very  well incorporated and then kill the heat. Measure and stir in the remaining ingredients, still stirring vigorously.

Stir till your arm is about to fall off,  and then drop onto waxed paper covered cookie sheets by the tablespoon. Place in the fridge (or outside if wintertime) until they begin to harden. This will take an hour or so.

Now you can leave them as blob shapes, or form them into nice balls. Or penises. Or boobs. Or something more mature.