If you get the chance to visit Sweden DO IT!!! It is full of amazing people, beautiful scenery, yes they have Swedish meatballs but what my local friends showed me and I grew to love was, how to enjoy FIKA every day.
FIKA is a snack with friends, or afternoon treat while you are out and about or you can do this at your own home, but mainly its referring to having a coffee (or hot drink of your choice) and sweet treat.
I learned this recipe from my Swedish friends and have carried it with me to get a quick taste of Sweden or to spice up a potluck tray with.
I hope you try this and enjoy it as much as I do!!!

SWEDISH CHOCOLATE BALLS (adapted recipe from https://naturalkitchenadventures.com/chokladbollar-swedish-chocolate-balls/)

INGREDIENTS:
100 grams butter at room temperature                             3 tbsps. cocoa powder
60 grams of caster sugar                                                          120 grams rolled oats
1 tsp. vanilla extract                                                                   a pinch of salt
3 tbsp. hot coffee                                                                      40 grams shredded coconut
1/2 tsp. cinnamon                                                                      3 tbsp. dried cranberries

METHOD:
1. Before starting the baking process, leave the butter out of the refrigerator until it is soft.
2. While the butter is softening, brew the coffee and let it cool slightly (instant coffee works fine, but use any type of coffee you prefer).
3. Mix the butter, sugar and vanilla extract together in a medium-sized bowl until everything is well-mixed together and no chunks remain.
4. Mix the coffee with the coco powder in a small bowl with a spoon until a paste forms.
5. Pour the coffee paste into the medium bowl with the other ingredients; mix all well with a wooden spoon.
6. Now add the rolled oats and salt and mix again until all the oats are covered completely with the coffee mixture and look dark brown.
7. Using a soup spoon and your hands, take chunks of the mixture and form small balls until all the mixture has been used up.
8. WASH YOUR HANDS!!!
9. Place the shredded coconut into a small bowl and roll each ball in the coconut until it has been covered completely.
10. Place the coconut covered chocolate balls onto a tray and into the refrigerator to cool for approximately 25 minutes. ENJOY!!!

OH! And if you'd like to hear my Swedish kids Snail song, don't hesitate to ask....

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