Christmas Bliss Balls

4.57 am.

Why do I always wake up at 4.57am these days??

Today I got up straight away and crept downstairs to enjoy the extra quiet time by myself. And at the bottom of the stairs, I took a deep breath and smelt ... Christmas.

After going to the markets on the weekend our fruit bowls are full of mangoes, pineapples and peaches and the smell instantly transported to me my childhood Christmas holidays on the Gold Coast!

The power of smell is truly amazing don't you think?

I can't quite believe it but today is the last day of school for the boys. All the breakup parties, concerts and swimming carnivals are done and Christmas will be here before we know it.

This year I'm easing myself into some Christmas cooking with some simple and oh-so delicious bliss balls that have some of the best flavours of Christmas time.

These little beauties are free from gluten, dairy and refined sugar and taste fabulous. I defy you to taste one and not get a smile on your face!

They were also a great way to use some of the blackstrap molasses which I bought but then couldn't remember why!

I've just included the Thermomix ingredients here but of course a food processor or high powered blender will also do the job.

Super quick and no baking - the perfect Christmas treat!

Christmas Bliss Balls

3/4 cup rolled quinoa
3/4 cup organic sundried dates
1/2 cup raw almonds
A thumb-sized piece of ginger (grated)
1 tbs blackstrap molasses
zest of 1 orange
1/2 ts vanilla extract
1/2 ts cinnamon
14 ts salt
1/8 ts ground cloves

Place the quinoa flakes and almonds into the Thermomix and blitz for 8 seconds / SP 9.

Add all remaining ingredients and process for 30-40 seconds / SP 8, or until the mixture is sticky and holds together.

Roll spoonfuls into balls and store in the fridge.

Makes 16-18 balls.

Do you have a favourite food or smell that reminds you of Christmas?