I officially started my Christmas baking today by trying a new recipe from Kristen's Raw. I reduced the measurements by half so as not to waste any ingredients if it flopped and because my cute little Betty Crocker micro food processor, that I scored at a yard sale, wouldn't hold any more than that. It turned out that the size of my B.C. food processor was the only factor that was necessary to consider. These nutritious morsels can stand up to any buttery and sugar-laden Christmas confection that they may share a plate with... quick and simple and sooooo good!
Pecan Spice Delights
Makes 20
1 ½ cups pecans
½ cup unsweetened shredded dried coconut
½ tsp ginger powder
½ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg
½ tsp vanilla
½ cup raisins
10 dates, pitted
Process all of the ingredients, except for the raisins and dates, in a food processor fitted with the “S” blade until coarsely ground. Add the raisins and dates and continue processing until the mixture begins to stick together when pressed between your fingers. I used a measuring tablespoon to scoop the dough into uniform sizes. Roll and form into balls or patties.
Kristen, from Kristen's Raw, used 1 tbsp lucuma powder in these cookies. Since that's not an ingredient I ordinarily stock as a staple in my pantry, I left it out, but I researched it to see what in the heck it is. This is what I learned when I went to the Navitas Naturals web site that Kristen recommended: "Native to the highlands of Peru, Chile, and Ecuador, lucuma (loo-ku-mah) is considered a healthy alternative sweetener as it lends a sweet taste to recipes, but it is very low in sugars. (It has a) maple-like taste (that) blends well to make smoothies, puddings, and ice creams, and can also be used as a flour in pies and pastries." I think I must order some.
Did you happen to notice the fun colors and patterns underneath the glass bowl of pecan spice delights? It is a placemat from a set my daughter Jessie gave me. Isn't it pretty? They adorn my table this Christmas season in lieu of the standard shades of red and green.