The sweet taste is vital for our well-being. Sweet foods help build and strengthen the body and improve circulation.

 They also gently aid digestion and encourage feelings of compassion and contentment. Sadly, many sweet treats

 available today use processed sweeteners, which lack essential life force (prana) and nutrients. Choosing natural

 Sweet foods nourish your body while providing enjoyment! To satisfy a sweet craving naturally, try these recipes.

 Dates and almonds are considered rejuvenating foods, or rasayanas, in Ayurveda.

Guilt-Free Fudge Balls

Yields about 20 servings

Ingredients:

• 6–7 large Medjool dates
• 1 cup walnuts
• 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

Directions:

Place all ingredients in the food processor. Pulse on high until smooth.

Remove from the food processor and roll into little balls.

Serve!

Note:

The type of dates you use in this recipe can greatly change the result. If using smaller dates (such as Deglet Noor), increase the

 number to about 10–14 dates. If your dates are very dry you may want to add a tablespoon of water. Large fresh Medjool dates

 work best if you can find them.

Fruit & Almond Breakfast Muffins

Yields 12 muffins

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups blanched almond flour
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 carrots, finely grated
• 1 large apple, peeled and finely grated
• ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• ½ cup raisins
• ½ cup chopped dates
• 3 eggs, beaten
• 1 ripe banana, mashed
• ½ cup coconut oil, melted

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line or oil a muffin tin.

• Dry Mix: Combine all ingredients except the eggs, banana, and coconut oil in your largest mixing bowl. Stir until uniform.

• Wet Mix: In a separate, smaller bowl, beat the remaining wet ingredients (eggs, banana, and coconut oil) together until fully blended.

• Combine: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.

• Bake: Fill 12 standard muffin cups with the batter. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, checking for doneness with a fork in the center.

• Storage: Once cool, store the muffins in a sealed container in the refrigerator.