Date, Almond, and Sesame Balls

Although they look like elegant truffles, these sweet treats are packed with tons of healthy nutrients. Dates have been cultivated for more than 5,000 years. This recipe can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for up to a month.
Find this recipe and more in the second edition our best-selling cookbook, The Mediterranean Diabetes Cookbook. To order directly from the American Diabetes Association, click here.
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- Prep time
- 15 min
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- Servings
- 36 Servings
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- Serving size
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1 ball
Ingredients
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pitted dates
- 1 lbs
- 454 g
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butter (at room temperature)
- 1/4 cup
- 1/4 cup
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water
- 1/4 cup
- 1/4 cup
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blanched almonds
- 1/2 lbs
- 227 g
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vanilla extract
- 1 tsp
- 1 tsp
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ground cardamom
- 1 tsp
- 1 tsp
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ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp
- 1/2 tsp
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sesame seeds (toasted)
- 1 cup
- 1 cup
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ground flax seed
- 2 tbsp
- 2 tbsp
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Directions
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Place the dates, butter, water, almonds, vanilla, cardamom, and cinnamon in a food processor. Pulse to form a smooth paste. Shape the dough into date-size balls.
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Spread the sesame seeds and flaxseed on a baking sheet. Roll the date balls in the seeds to coat. Arrange on a serving platter.