Mango Cashew Sunshine Bites

Healthy snacking is a must in this house. That mid-afternoon itch for a treat is nearly a daily occurance, most likely in the form of something sweet. If we have healthy bites to grab, we are much less likely to reach for something that may taste good at the moment, but doesn't really satisfy the hunger. But a healthy snack recipe that satisfies AND caters to the sweet tooth? They really do exist.

I mixed things up last week and instead of making a batch of Paleo Snack Bites, I opted for these Mango Cashew Sunshine Bites. The flavors are interesting and the ingredients are simple. Just how good good food should be.

Mango Cashew Sunshine Bites
recipe from My New Roots

2/3 cup raw cashews
1 cup dried mango pieces (preferably organic unsweetened)
1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut, plus more for coating
seeds of 1 vanilla bean or 1 tsp. all natural vanilla extract
1-2 tsp. honey for sweetness if desired 
lime zest
pinch of sea salt
pinch of ground turmeric (optional)

Soak cashews for around 4 hours. Drain and rinse. 

Soak mangoes for 20-30 minutes until they are slightly softened, but not mushy. 

In a food processor, combine all ingredients except honey. Pulse until a sticky dough is formed. Taste for sweetness and add honey if desired. Spoon out about 1/2 Tbsp. of the mixture and roll into balls. Roll in coconut to coat. 

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.