chai spiced fig balls

I guess it's about time I posted another ball recipe 😊. And since it's almost holiday season (anything after Halloween is holiday season to me!) I chose some warming chai spices to get you in the spirit. I have already been burning my Christmas scented candles and fantasizing about my Maui Christmas coming up! It's hard not to with all this schoolwork, holiday break is my light at the end of the tunnel.

These chai spiced fig balls are soft, sweet, and have a little kick! The complete combination of chai spices makes for a well rounded and smooth finish but don't stress out if you don't have all of them, the most essential ones are cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom. I used dried figs here but dried apricots would also work well, and the shredded coconut is optional, although they are a little sticky without it. The point is, make your own version with what you like and what you have available.

chai spiced fig balls

• 8 oz dates
• 8 oz dried figs
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 cups oats
• 2 Tbsp flaxmeal
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger, or 1 tsp fresh grated ginger
• 1/4 tsp cardamom
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

Begin by coarsely chopping and soaking the dates and figs. I like to pour hot water over them and let them sit for 5-10 minutes. If they are super moist, you may be able to skip this step but I keep my dried fruit in the fridge so this is necessary for smooth processing.

While those are soaking, blend the oats in a food processor or blender into a coarse meal. If you are grinding flax this needs to be done separately. Flax seeds need to be ground for this recipe in order act as a binder, holding everything together and soaking up some moisture. So don't go throwing whole flax seeds in there. Combine the ground oats and flaxmeal in a mixing bowl. Now strain the water from the soaking fruit and add it to the food processor with the maple syrup and all of the spices. Blend until relatively smooth, some chunks are okay, your preference. Add this spicy fruit mix to your dry ingredients and fold to combine completely using a wooden spoon or your hands. Or both.

If the "dough" is too sticky to handle just pop it in the fridge for a bit, but sticky is good, it makes soft moist balls. Roll into 1" balls and coast with coconut if desired. Store in the fridge to enjoy a little taste of Christmas whenever you please.