Raw & Vegan Pumpkin Bliss Balls

What’s the difference between a pie and a carving pumpkin? 

Seasons:

Mid-summer into the fall

Who’s garden did they come from?:

Joseph Balistreri of D’ Aquisto Farm

Fun Facts:

Carving pumpkins

Thinner shell

Less flesh/guts inside

Grainier/stringier flesh

Contain more water than pie pumpkins

Pie pumpkins - aka sugar pumpkins

Small and round

Full of flesh that’s good for cooking

Pulpy, sweeter flesh on the inside

Health Benefits:

While commonly viewed as a vegetable, pumpkin is scientifically a fruit, as it contains seeds. That said, it’s nutritionally more similar to vegetables than fruits.

Rich in Vitamin A

High antioxidants

Immunity Boost

Good for the heart, skin, and eyesight

INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 cups gluten-free rolled oats

7 dates soaked and pitted

3 tablespoons pumpkin puree

2 tablespoons coconut palm sugar

1 tablespoon coconut oil melted

2 teaspoons pumpkin spice

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon cinnamon

pinch of clove

dash of salt

Toppings

2 tablespoons crushed pumpkin seeds

2 tablespoons crushed raw cacao nibs

2 tablespoons crushed pecans

INSTRUCTIONS

For the Balls

Process oats in a food processor until they form a chunky flour and set aside. Process dates until they form a dough. Combine oat flour dates along with all the rest of the ingredients. Process it all until a dough forms. (One big ball should form). Remove dough and place into a bowl.
For the Toppings

Process all toppings separately in a mini food processor until small chunks remain. You can also put them in Ziploc bags and crush them with something heavy. Place ingredients into separate bowls or a small shallow plate. Form the dough into balls using your hands. Coat each ball in your toppings of choice. Place pumpkin bliss balls in the fridge for 1/2 hour or enjoy right away!