Choco-Walnut Bliss Balls with Rose Water and Cardamom

These fudgy choco-walnut bliss balls with rose water and cardamom make for a guilt-free dessert, mood enhancer and easiest DIY food gift. They are perfect for Valentine’s Day… easy to make, loaded with wholesome goodness and delicious to boot. Besides, who wouldn’t love a homemade edible gift of love? You can find rosewater and cardamom at any Indian or Middle Eastern grocery store (but if you’re not so inclined, feel free to substitute the rosewater with vanilla extract and the cardamom with powdered cinnamon). 

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Recipe

Choco-Walnut Bliss Balls with Rosewater and Cardamom

(Makes 10 bliss balls)

Ingredients

3/4 cup walnuts, toasted
2/3 cup (4 oz/100 gms) soft, pitted dates (if the dates are not soft, soak them in warm water for 30 minutes and drain before using)
2 tsp rose water
1/2 tsp ground cardamom
Pinch of salt
1 tbsp dried rose petals, (more for garnish)
1 1/2 tbsp dark cocoa powder (more for rolling)

Method

Pulse the walnuts a few times in a blender/food processor until finely ground. Set aside.

Purée the dates, rose water, cardamom, salt and dried rose petals until well blended.

Add the cocoa powder and ground walnuts and blend again (stirring and scraping around the edges a few times in between).

Transfer the mixture to a bowl and refrigerate for an hour or until firm.

Using a teaspoon, form into bite-sized balls and roll them in cocoa powder to coat. Decorate with dried rose petals if desired.

Store any remaining bliss balls refrigerated in an airtight container.