For you lovers of chocolate and orange, here's a quick bliss ball. You can leave them uncoated but I think coating them in chocolate makes them extra special.

Makes about 18

1 1/2 c walnuts

8 medjool dates, pitted

1/3 c almond butter

1/4 c cacao powder

zest of 1 orange

t tsp orange essence or 3 drops orange essential oil

coating:

1/2 c cacao butter

1/2 c cacao powder

1/4 c maple syrup to taste

1/2 tsp orange essence

pinch sea salt

Blitz all the ingredients in a food processor. Roll into balls and refrigerate. Melt all the coating ingredient in a bowl set over a saucepan with 2 cm water in it. Bring to slow simmer. Take off the heat once melted and stir well to combine.

Using 2 forks, roll the balls in chocolate coating and set on a tray lined with baking paper. Chill in fridge till set and store in airtight container in fridge. You can also keep these in the freezer for up to 2 months.

If you have any melted chocolate left over, just add some dried fruit, nuts or seeds and pour into chocolate moulds or ice cube trays and refrigerate to set.

Mint variation: replace orange essence with peppermint essence or essential  oil and add 1 tsp vanilla extract.