In my unhealthy days I used to have a love affair with Nutella. All I needed was the jar of the sweet, chocolaty, hazelnutty stuff and a teaspoon. Oh, the divine taste, the bliss, the sugar coma and the regrets and guilt and digestive discomforts that followed.

I believe that every food we love can be created in a healthier version and Nutella is no exception. These chocolate balls are vegan, have no added refined sugar, no dairy, no grains, nothing artificial, just wholesome and delicious ingredients and an intense taste of chocolate-hazelnut that makes Nutella so irresistible. They are also not addictive, just one or two balls are enough to satisfy a craving for something sweet at the end of a meal or with coffee or tea.

To make, put all the following ingredients in a food processor. Blend until as chunky or as smooth as you like.

1 cup of raw blanched hazelnuts
1 cup of pitted Medjool dates
1 teaspoon of vanilla
2 tablespoons of raw cacao powder
2 tablespoons of unsweetened coconut flakes
2 tablespoons of almond milk

With wet hands, form little balls and store in fridge.

*You can roll each ball in additional coconut flakes, sesame seeds or cocoa powder.