Despite the amazingly, unseasonably warm weather in Iowa, Christmas is in full swing at our house. This weekend Christmas cookies were baked, holiday music was played and Elf was watched. Does it get any better? Amidst baking a large number of sugar-laden Christmas cookies, I made myself a little healthy treat in an attempt to prevent mindless cookie dough eating.
These little chocolate truffles taste indulgent without making you feel sluggish. That’s probably due to the fact that they are made with good-for-you ingredients like dates, almonds, cocoa powder, oats and honey. They are a cross between a chocolate Larabar and a bittersweet chocolate truffle. The best part about these truffles is their versatility. You could easily give them a fruit-flavored twist by swapping some dried cherries or dried cranberries for a portion of the dates.
Raw Chocolate Truffles
Ingredients
*3/4 cup pitted dates
*1/2 cup lightly salted roasted almonds
*1 tablespoon cocoa powder
*1 tablespoon honey
*1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
*1/3 cup rolled oats
*Additional cocoa powder for rolling
Instructions
*In the bowl of a food processor, combine the dates and almonds. Process until mixture just starts to hold together and dates and almonds are broken up into very small pieces. Add in the cocoa powder, honey cinnamon and rolled oats. Blend until mixture forms a ball and holds together.
*Scoop mixture by a tablespoon at a time and roll between your palms to form a ball. Roll in additional cocoa powder Transfer to a plate and repeat with remaining truffle mixture and cocoa powder. Makes 10 to 12 truffles
Happy Baking!
Madison