Paleo dessert attempt #1

After such a success with the Copycat Whenever Bars, I felt inspired to try and make my next recipe a bit more Paleo friendly. I don't own any Paleo books, so I had to look up a few questionable ingredients. It felt weird to type that having just been at the box; that's like a church-goer saying they don't own a bible! OK, so I'm exaggerating. Our box is extremely non-judgmental about non-paleolithics out there. One of the many reasons I love everyone there so much!

I found mixed responses when searching if tapioca flour and pure maple syrup are Paleo. It sounds to me like it all depends on how strict you are (correct me if I'm wrong!).

I'm going to call these...

Maple Walnut Balls!

Ingredients:

- 3 C almond meal/flour (I prefer meal)
- 1/2 C tapioca flour
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. baking soda
- 1/2 tsp. cinnamon (I use a bit more cinnamon and nutmeg)
- 1/4 tsp. nutmeg
- 1/4 C Coconut oil (or a bit more)
- 2-3 tbsp agave nectar or honey
- A hint of pure maple syrup (I probably added a wee bit more than a cave woman would have...but I also would have had more cave woman friends because of it!)
- 1 Tbsp. gluten free vanilla
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup raw organic walnut pieces
- 1/2 cup raw unsweetened organic coconut flakes

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Place walnuts and coconut flakes on a cookie sheet and toast for 3 minutes. Set aside.
3. Put coconut oil in a heat safe bowl and place on stove to melt while nuts and coconut are toasting.
4. In a large mixing bowl, beat the coconut oil and maple sugar until combined.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, agave, and vanilla.
6. Add the egg mixture to the maple/coconut oil mixture, and beat to thoroughly combine.
7. In another separate bowl, combine the almond meal, tapioca flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, soda, and salt.
8. Add the flour mixture to the liquid mixture and mix until well combined.
9. Add the walnut and coconut flakes and fold in until well combined.
10. On a greased cookie sheet (or parchment paper lined), form batter into balls about 2" wide (smaller or bigger, depending on your self-control on what a real 'serving size' should be!)
11. Place about 2" apart.
12. Bake about 9 minutes, or until lightly browned (see photo below).
13. Find a nice spot on the couch, cuddle up with your puppies, and enjoy!

*I found these to be a bit dry, so I am going to continue experimenting and will keep you posted. Feel free to send suggestions!