Lemon protein balls

makes / 12 balls

Ingredients

¼ cup coconut oil

2 tbsp coconut butter

1 cup macadamia nuts

2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

¼ tsp sea salt

2 scoops vanilla-flavoured whey protein powder

1⁄3 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

1. Place the coconut oil and coconut butter in a microwavesafe bowl. Microwave on high for 25 seconds. Stir and set aside.

2. In a small food processor, process the macadamias for 30 seconds. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and add the melted coconut oil mixture, lemon juice and salt. Process until the mixture is very smooth. Add the protein powder and pulse about 5 times, until just combined.

3. Use a spatula to scrape the macadamia mixture into a small bowl. Refrigerate the mixture for about 15 minutes to make it easier to handle.

4. Line a plate with wax paper or parchment paper and place the coconut in a small bowl. Scoop out about 1 heaped teaspoon at a time of the macadamia mixture. Use your hands to roll it into a ball. Drop it in the coconut and roll to coat. Place it on the plate. Repeat for the rest of the macadamia mixture. Place the balls in the freezer for 30 minutes to harden. Store in an airtight container in the freezer. Serve straight from the freezer, allowing a couple minutes for them to sit at room temperature if frozen solid.

This is an edited extract from

The Keto Reset Diet Cookbook

by Mark Sisson, published by Hardie Grant Books, $29.99, and is available in stores nationally. Photographer: © Andrew Purcell