VEGAN OATMEAL-DATE RUM BALLS

These rum balls are mouth-watering goodness! They are delectable non-alcoholic treats covered in delicious vegan semi-sweet chocolate. Garnished with chopped cashews, cinnamon, and cane sugar, these delightful treats are ideal for date nights, game-day buffets, or backyard barbecues. During the holidays, pair them with vegan eggless nog for a festive touch. Be advised, these semi-sweet chocolate-covered rum balls are so irresistible, they may become your new favorite indulgence!

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 Cups of Old Fashioned Rolled Oats

• 1 Cup (about 14) Medjool Dates (Pitted)

• 1/4 Cup Creamy Peanut Butter

• 1/4 Cup Organic Agave Syrup

• 1 Cup Roasted Cashews (Roughly Chopped)

• 3 Teaspoons Pure Rum Extract

• 1/8 Teaspoon Cinnamon

• 1/8 Teaspoon Nutmeg

• A Pinch of Sea Salt

• 2 1/2 Cups of Vegan **Semi-Sweet Chocolate

• For Garnish--An Extra 1/2 Cup of Chopped Cashews, an Extra 1/8 Teaspoon of *Cinnamon, and 1/2 Tablespoon of *Organic Cane Sugar (The extra cinnamon and cane sugar for garnish is *optional).

**In place of the semi-sweet chocolate, you can substitute vegan white chocolate or carob chips.

*Cane sugar may be replaced with a low-carb sugar-free option.

Vegan Oatmeal-Date Chocolate-Covered Rum Balls

Instructions:

1. Line a flat tray with parchment paper and set aside.

2. Place 1 cup chopped cashews and rolled oats in a bowl.

3. Place the dates into a blender and chop about 30 seconds until only chunks remain.

4. Add the chopped date mixture to the bowl with oatmeal and cashews.

5. Place the Agave syrup, peanut butter, rum extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sea salt into a microwave safe bowl. Carefully melt together in 30-second intervals (stirring between each interval) until melted together.

6. Carefully pour the liquid mixture into the bowl with the date, cashew and oatmeal mixture and combine.

7. Roll the mixture into 1/2 tablespoon-size balls and place on the prepared tray. Refrigerate 1 to 2 hours until firm.

8. The garnish--place the extra chopped cashews in a bowl; mix the cane sugar and cinnamon together in a separate bowl. (cover and set aside).

9. Just before taking the chilled rum balls from the refrigerator, melt the vegan chocolate (using a double boiler method).

10. Cover the chilled rum balls in the chocolate (one at a time); use a toothpick to hold the balls.

11. Before placing each chocolate-covered rum ball on the tray, garnish with the chopped cashews and a sprinkle of cane sugar and cinnamon mixture (before the chocolate sets). *optional.

Leave the rum balls on the tray and allow the chocolate to become firm in the refrigerator before storing them in containers. You can keep these yummy treats in an airtight container in a refrigerator for about 2 weeks or in a freezer for up to 2 months.

Always consult your healthcare providers and/or nutritionist concerning diet changes, proper nutrition, lifestyle changes, weight loss and/or exercise programs! Many blessings on your life's journey! OLG