Ingredients
Scale
The key to this dish lies in selecting the right ingredients. I always opt for high-quality, raw pistachios and unsweetened dried cranberries to keep the flavor bright and natural. When my mum first introduced me to making treats like this, she emphasized the importance of freshness—nothing beats the crunch of fresh nuts or the zing of well-preserved dried fruit. Feel free to swap the pistachios for almonds or walnuts if you prefer, and if you want a touch of extra sweetness, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup works wonders.
- 1 cup raw shelled pistachios
- 3/4 cup dried cranberries (unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
- 1/2 cup rolled oats (gluten-free if needed)
- 1/4 cup almond butter or natural peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Start by roughly chopping the pistachios so they have some texture but aren’t too chunky—this gives the balls a lovely bite.
- In a food processor, combine the chopped pistachios, dried cranberries, and rolled oats. Pulse several times until the mixture starts to come together but still has a bit of texture.
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl and add the almond butter, honey, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt.
- Mix everything thoroughly with a spoon or your hands until the mixture is sticky and holds together. If it feels too dry, add a little more almond butter or a teaspoon of water.
- Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized balls, about the size of a walnut. This is a great step to get the kids involved—they love the tactile experience!
- Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Once set, enjoy immediately or store as directed below.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
