Chocolate Salty Balls for 'Check One Two'

A while back I was contacted by a social movement called ‘Check One Two’, asking if I would like to get involved with them, to create some ‘ball-related foods’.

'Check One Two', was set up by two sets of brothers who recognised that men are dying needlessly from testicular cancer. Why needlessly?
Because, if detected early enough, it is 100% curable. But because men can be a bit funny about health issues and are too laid back, they don’t always think to check their ‘love grenades’.'Check One Two' aim to spread awareness and change attitudes through their #feelingnuts campaign. 
Loads of celebrities have been #feelingnuts, so check out the website for funny vines, vids and pics of folk like Hugh Jackman, Ricky Gervais and '5 Seconds of Summer' taking on the crotch grabbing challenge.
And for one day only – my little cartoon cupcake creation Cakeyboi is back and taking part in the #feelingnuts challenge.

I did think about apologising to anyone who might be offended by this sort of content on a food blog, but then I thought better. Being a male blogger, I know this is such an important topic and I personally have two friends who suffered testicular cancer and thankfully they are fine now. Any small part I can play in raising awareness is worth it.
Where does the food part come in you might be asking? Well ‘Check One Two‘ are collaborating with 'Urban Food Fest', taking place today in Shoreditch High Street in London.  They want to raise awareness through ball-related food today, and this is where my recipe comes into play.

image source

Remember the song ‘Chocolate Salty Balls’ back in the 1990’s by Chef from South Park? I always did wonder what the chocolate salty balls would taste like and now I can tell you – they are pretty tasty (and healthy too).

Made in my Optimum 9400 from Froothie, all with natural ingredients, these little balls pack an energy punch. Full of dates, almonds, chia seeds, raw cacao powder and so on – these really are a healthy snack. 

I added half a teaspoon of salt to the mix, but I wouldn’t use any more than that. A quarter teaspoon may be fine for those who don’t want them too salty.
Here’s the recipe.
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Chocolate Salty Ballsby Stuart Vettese October-11-2014Healthy chocolate fruit balls with added saltinessIngredients

• 150 grams pitted dates
• 100 grams raw almonds
• 30 grams raw cacao powder (or unsweetened cocoa)
• 8 grams white chia seeds
• 50 grams coconut oil
• 50 grams desiccated coconut
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

InstructionsPlace all of the ingredients in a power-blender and blitz until the ingredients come together. Take tablespoons worth, and roll into balls. Place on a plate lined with greaseproof paper and when all rolled, pop into the fridge to firm up, about an hour.DetailsPrep time: 10 mins Chill time: 1 hour Total time: 1 hour 10 mins Yield: 15 balls approx.
Now get out there and spread the word hashtag, #feelingnuts!
Disclosure Statement: I was not endorsed to promote 'Check One Two'. I received the Optimum 9400 free to review. Any opinions expressed are my own.