Diabetic-friendly Chocolate Balls

Diabetic-friendly Chocolate Balls Recipe - A Delightful Treat for Diabetics

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

These diabetic-friendly chocolate balls are a delicious treat for those looking to satisfy their sweet tooth without spiking their blood sugar levels. Made with wholesome ingredients and a touch of sweetness, these chocolate balls are perfect for a guilt-free indulgence.

History

The recipe for these diabetic-friendly chocolate balls was created with the intention of providing a tasty dessert option for individuals with diabetes. By using sugar substitutes and carefully selected ingredients, this recipe allows those with dietary restrictions to enjoy a sweet treat without compromising their health.

Ingredients

0.5 cup of margarine, at room temperature
2 tbsp of sugar
0.33 cup of liquid sugar substitute
1.25 cups of flour
3 tbsp of cocoa
0.5 tsp of salt
0.25 cup of chopped nuts
2 tbsp of raisins
sprinkle of sweet granulated sugar substitute, as necessary

How to prepare

Cream together margarine and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add vanilla and sugar substitute to the creamed mixture.
Beat at medium speed for 0.5 minute.
Stir together flour, cocoa, and salt to blend.
Add the blended mixture to the creamed mixture and mix at low speed for about 1 minute or until well combined.
Add nuts and raisins to the dough and mix lightly.
Shape the dough into balls using 1 tablespoonful of dough per ball.
Place the balls on a cookie sheet that has been lined with aluminum foil or sprayed with pan spray.
Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 20 – 25 minutes or until slightly firm.
Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.
Roll the lukewarm balls in sprinkle sweetener.
Allow them to cool to room temperature and serve two balls per serving.

Chocolate mint balls

Add 0.5 tsp of peppermint flavoring along with 1 tsp of vanilla instead of the 2 tsp of vanilla.

Variations

For a minty twist, try adding peppermint flavoring to the dough along with the vanilla extract to create chocolate mint balls.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cream the margarine and sugar until light and fluffy to ensure a smooth texture.

- Be careful not to overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added, as this can result in a tough texture.

- For a more indulgent treat, try adding a sprinkle of sweet granulated sugar substitute on top of the chocolate balls before baking.

Serving Suggestions

These chocolate balls can be enjoyed on their own as a sweet treat, or paired with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful snack.

Cooking Techniques

Baking

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer a different type of nut, feel free to substitute the chopped nuts with your favorite variety.

Make Ahead Tips

These chocolate balls can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

Presentation Ideas

Serve these chocolate balls on a decorative platter or in a festive tin for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair these chocolate balls with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of sugar-free ice cream for a delicious dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover chocolate balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of these chocolate balls contains approximately 120 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of these diabetic-friendly chocolate balls contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of these chocolate balls contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of these chocolate balls contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

These chocolate balls are a good source of iron, with each serving providing about 4% of the recommended daily intake.

Alergens

These chocolate balls contain nuts and may not be suitable for those with nut allergies.

Summary

These diabetic-friendly chocolate balls are a delicious and satisfying treat that can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. With a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, these chocolate balls are a guilt-free indulgence.

Summary

These diabetic-friendly chocolate balls are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed by those with dietary restrictions. With a rich chocolate flavor and a hint of sweetness, these chocolate balls are sure to satisfy your cravings without spiking your blood sugar levels.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Diabetic-friendly Chocolate Balls. It was a sunny day in the early 1970s, and I had just finished baking a batch of oatmeal cookies for my family. As I was cleaning up the kitchen, I heard a knock at the door. It was my dear friend Clara, who had brought over a plate of her famous chocolate balls as a surprise.

Clara and I had been friends for years, and we often shared recipes and cooking tips with each other. She knew that I had recently been diagnosed with diabetes, and she had gone out of her way to find a recipe that I could enjoy without worrying about my blood sugar levels. As I bit into one of her chocolate balls, I was amazed at how delicious and satisfying they were, despite being made with ingredients that were safe for diabetics.

I begged Clara for the recipe, and she obliged with a smile. She explained that she had learned how to make these chocolate balls from her own grandmother, who had been diabetic for most of her life. Clara had made a few tweaks to the original recipe to make it even more diabetic-friendly, and she was happy to pass it on to me.

Over the years, I have made these chocolate balls countless times for my family, friends, and even for charity events. They always disappear quickly, and I enjoy watching the smiles on people's faces as they bite into the rich, chocolatey goodness. I have shared the recipe with many others who are looking for diabetic-friendly treats, and I am always happy to pass on Clara's legacy to the next generation.

The key to making these chocolate balls so diabetic-friendly lies in the choice of ingredients. Instead of using traditional sugar, Clara's recipe calls for a combination of unsweetened cocoa powder, almond flour, and a natural sweetener like stevia or erythritol. These ingredients not only provide a rich, chocolatey flavor but also keep the blood sugar levels stable, making them a perfect treat for diabetics.

To begin making the chocolate balls, I first mix together the unsweetened cocoa powder, almond flour, and sweetener in a large bowl. I then add in a bit of melted coconut oil and vanilla extract to bind the mixture together. The coconut oil adds a subtle tropical flavor while also providing healthy fats that are beneficial for diabetics.

Once the mixture is well combined, I roll it into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. I then pop them into the fridge to chill for at least an hour, allowing the flavors to meld together and the balls to firm up. The end result is a batch of decadent chocolate balls that are perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth without causing a spike in blood sugar levels.

I always make sure to keep a batch of these chocolate balls on hand for those moments when I need a sweet pick-me-up without compromising my health. They are a true testament to the power of good food and the joy of sharing recipes with loved ones. Clara's recipe for Diabetic-friendly Chocolate Balls will always hold a special place in my heart, as it represents the love and care that she put into sharing her culinary heritage with me.