Ashwagandha Date Treats

Holidays are coming and for many people, it is certainly the busiest time of the year. Parties, traveling and meeting family can be stressful. My answer is 'Ashwagandha'. In Western herbalism, Ashwagandha is classified as an adaptogen herb which are used to nourish a person as a whole. Adaptogens are prescribed when someone is depleted, fatigued or simply worn out. What an excellent herb for the holiday season! I use Ashwagandha in powdered form to make these delicious date treats. Powdered Ashwagandha can be bought in a healthfood store or online. The recipe comes from the excellent book Alchemy of Herbs from Rosalee de la Foret.

Ashwagandha Date Treats

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups of dates

2 tbsp cocoa powder

40 g Ashwagandha powder

2/3 cups coconut flakes

1/4 cup tahini, almond or other nut butter

1 tsp of vanilla extract

1 tsp cinnamon

pinch of salt.

Directions:

1. Soak dates for a couple of hours or overnight.

2. Strain and add cocoa powder, Ashwagandha powder, coconut flakes (set aside some for rolling), tahini or other nut butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon and salt.

3. Mix and roll the paste into balls. Roll in coconut flakes. Store in the fridge.