These easy, nourishing snacks are great to keep on hand for when a sugar craving attacks. Dates instantly help regulate blood sugar levels, and cardamom suppresses ongoing cravings.

Prep time: 20m | Total time: 20m

Ingredients:

1 lb. (approx 2.5 c.) medjool dates, or other moist date variety
1/4 c. brown sesame seeds
1/2 c. dried unsweetened coconut flakes
1/2 t. ground cardamom

Remove pits from dates, and place them in food processor bowl.

Heat a dry skillet over medium flame, and add sesame seeds once hot. Cook for two minutes, stirring often until seeds are lightly toasted and aromatic. Add toasted sesame seeds, 1/4 c. of coconut flakes and cardamom in with the dates. Run food processor until ingredients are well mixed*, and one solid ball of date dough has formed.

Place remaining coconut on a small plate. Take 1 T. of dough and use your hands to shape it into a ball. Roll each ball in coconut flakes until lightly coated, then place on serving plate. Repeat with remaining dough.

Serve immediately, or store in a tightly-sealed container in the refrigerator.

Notes:

Food processor may "jump" a bit when processing the dates, so be sure it's not near the edge of the countertop while running.