Fruity Chews

As the holidays approach, it’s easy to indulge in more sweets and treats. When you're hosting a social gathering, offering appealing yet healthy options can be challenging. This recipe is perfect for occasions when a delicious mix of dried fruit and nuts satisfies the sweet tooth. It can be presented very elegantly and contains no refined or processed sugars.

You can prepare these fruity chew balls in advance, freeze them, and just take them out whenever you need a quick treat—no thawing necessary! They stay fresh in the fridge for several weeks if stored in an airtight container. They're perfect for packed lunches or sharing at potlucks. Feel free to make the balls different sizes depending on how you plan to use them.

Fruity Chews

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried apricots
• 1 cup dried pears or peaches
• 1 cup dates
• 1 cup raisins or prunes
• 1/2 cup nutmeats (walnuts, almonds, pecans are all good—may mix)
• 1/4 cup macaroon unsweetened coconut
• Sprinkle of salt

Instructions

1. Measure dried fruit and nuts into a bowl and mix together.
2. Grind them using a meat grinder (manual or KitchenAid type; both work great). You can also try a food processor, but I find that the grinder works better for mixing the ingredients.
3. Use a few canned pears or peaches ground in with the fruit and nut mixture if it seems too dry to stick together into balls.
4. Mix in the salt, and knead with your hands until well mixed. Shape into cherry-sized balls or small logs. Roll in coconut.
5. Store in a covered container in the refrigerator until ready to serve. May be frozen.
6. Variations: Any combination of dried fruits may be used. May roll balls in chopped nuts of any kind.
7. Feel free to experiment with different combinations—it’s almost impossible to ruin this recipe!

Call to Action

As we enjoy the sweetness in these amazing foods that God designed for us to enjoy, we can be reminded of God’s Word that says:

“How sweet are thy words unto my taste! Yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!”

Psalm 119:103 KJV