Adaptogenic Chocolate Cookie Bites - paleo, dairy free, full gaps, nut-free

This recipe is kind of like a chocolate truffle recipe but the inside really tastes like cookie dough to me!! I hope you enjoy it!

What Are Adaptogens?

Adaptogens are herbs or tonics that have been used by Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedic Medicine for centuries. Commonly known adaptogens are ginseng, Rhodiola, or tulsi (holy basil). In the 1970s adaptogens found their popularity by the USSR’s researchers who were looking to find substances to support their athletes and other high-performance individuals. They stumbled upon these ancient herbs previously named Rasayanas in Ayurveda and “superior” herbs in Chinese medicine and named them “adaptogens” because of their ability to revitalize and harmonize health.

In order to be named an adaptogen, the herb must be:

1. Non-toxic: safe to use in the diet for an extended period of time.

2. Increase resistance to multiple stressors: increase immunity or power of resistance against stressors (physical, chemical, or biological).

3. Help normalize physiological responses despite prior stress effects to the body: have a normalizing influence on physiology independent of the direction of change from physiological norms caused by the stressors.

How to use Adaptogens

Because adaptogens are non-toxic, they are generally safe however there are some simple things to cautious of if you are new to working with herbs.

Consider these things:

1. Allergies or food sensitivities

2. Watch your serving sizes: be mindful to not intake more than 3 servings of adaptogens daily, since this can have a more stimulating effect on the body

3. Contraindications: blending herbs should be minimized unless you are a well trained herbalist aware of the contraindications. Herb references are encouraged to make sure to avoid any contraindications.

4. Validate if Kid Friendly: always look up the specifics of the adaptogen you are using to be sure it is Kid-Safe. Some adaptogens can have affects on the endocrine system and we don’t want this affect on kids.

Adaptogenic Chocolate Cookie Bites

Paleo - Dairy Free and Gluten Free

Natalie Earle | Jan 2020

• prep time: 30 min

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Ingredients:

• 1 cup coconut butter, melted until soft but not too hot
• 3 tbsp coconut oil, softened
• 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup hemp seeds
• 1/2 tsp vanilla
• 4 tbsp Adaptogenic powder (I use this one)
• 4 medjool dates

Chocolate Coating

• 1 cup stevia sweetened dairy free choc. chips, or unsweetened
• 1/2 tbsp of coconut oil

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Instructions:

1. Add dates and coconut butter into a food processor and blend.
2. Add the coconut oil, vanilla, adaptogenic powder and blend well.
3. Then add the hemp seeds and shredded coconut until the mixture creates dough. You may need to let the dough firm up a bit in the refrigerator. Then make balls out of the dough and set on parchment paper.
4. Let the balls freeze in the freezer for another 5-10 minutes.
5. Over a double boiler, melt the chocolate chips with some coconut oil and dip the dough balls so they are fully covered.
6. Set on a baking sheet with parchment paper and place in the freezer for at least 20 minutes until ready to enjoy.
7. Store in the refrigerator for up to a month

Notes: