What on earth is 'buckwheat'? Izelle explains

Buckwheat - something Danny is sure her Ouma used to put into soups and stews! But, like most of the ingredients we chat about, this one has it's very own 'Izelle Twist'! 

Izelle shares her 'Roasted Buckwheat Brownie Bliss Ball' recipe - Perfect for an on the go snack or even a pre and post workout pick me up! 

Roasted Buckwheat Brownie Bliss Balls

Prep time: 20 minutes

Servings: 20 bliss balls

300 g pitted dates, chopped

300 g raisins

1 cup buckwheat

150 g almond flour

1 Tbsp caramel essence

4 heaped Tbsp raw cacao powder

1 tsp ground cinnamon

pinch of Oryx desert salt

1. Spray a frying pan with non-stick cooking spray and roast the buckwheat over medium heat until light brown and toasted. It will smell like roasted nuts when ready. Set aside to cool.
2. Soak the dates and raisins in hot water for 10–15 minutes. Drain and mash in a mixing bowl.
3. Add the almond flour, caramel essence, cacao powder, cinnamon and salt and mix well with your hands. To prevent the mixture sticking to your hands, spray your hands with non-stick cooking spray. Once they start to get sticky, wash your hands and spray again.
4. Place the mixture in the fridge to cool down. Once cooled, spray your hands with non-stick cooking spray and start rolling heaped teaspoons of the mixture into balls. Roll the balls in the roasted buckwheat.
5. Place the balls on a baking tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes until set. 
6. Enjoy freshly made.

Add 4-6 drops peppermint essence to the buckwheat while roasting for a crunchy peppermint variation.

Why do we make use of these ingredients:

Cinnamon Cinnamon is loaded with antioxidants, lowers blood sugar levels and has a powerful anti-diabetic effect. It is anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial.

Almonds Whether in the form of milk, flour, butter or flakes, almonds are packed with nutritional benefits. They boost the immune system, help repair damaged skin, help prevent cancer, reduce the risk of osteoporosis and have alkalising properties. They are also a source of vitamin E, magnesium and high-quality protein. 

Dates Dates are rich in selenium, manganese, copper and magnesium, all of which are required to keep bones healthy and prevent conditions such as osteoporosis. 

Oryx Desert Salt What is the purpose of adding salt during cooking? It’s to enhance flavour, right? So why not start by using a good-quality salt to do the job? Sundried and unrefined with no additives will bring out the best in your food in the healthiest way possible.

Raw Honey Salt needs sweet and vice versa to enhance taste and flavour. So when you add sweetness, choose a sweetness that has a healing effect on your body and health. Raw honey is antiviral and antifungal, and contains powerful antioxidants. Its helps ward off allergies, stabilise blood pressure and balance blood sugar levels. It also boosts the immune system and promotes digestive health.

Raw Cacao Raw cacao contains very high amounts of antioxidants, reduces appetite and helps with weight loss. It alleviates stress, helps manage depression and regulates blood pressure. It is a fantastic source of calcium too.

Raisins Immune Boosting, Excellent source of Iron,  reduces acidity & blood pressure

Buckwheat Anti-inflammatory, gluten free and easily digestible, buckwheat is beneficial in improving bone health and a rich source of fibre.

Danny and Izelle spoke about buckwheat, mindful living and the importance of fandoms! Listen here:

Another one ingredient challenge: What's in your fridge?

You can buy your copy of the award winning 'Mindful Eating' cookbook here!

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