Recipe: Spiced Dairy Free Gluten Free Chocolate Truffles

Here is a  nutrient dense  cancer fighting super food  filled with anti-oxidants from herbs, spices, berries and chocolate which is also rich in magnesium. The nuts provide a source of healthy fats and oils while coconut oil enhances immunity. The addition of adaptogenic tonic herbs further supports our capacity to cope with stress and counter fatigue and burnout.This is a truly guilt free dessert!!!

These truffles make a great gift wrapped in colorful tissue paper or napkin and packed in a colorful tin or basket or gift box. This is truly food as medicine!!

In Chinese Medicine this is a recipe for nourishing the blood and  the Vital Energy or Qi of the Kidney Meridian which represents core strength, the capacity to endure and cultivate wisdom, to meet what comes to us in life, to take a stand, to bear the seemingly barren winter seasons of our life and from this deep well, create life anew.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup organic almonds, walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts or macadamia nuts
  • 1/2 cup organic  raisins or prunes or dried cherries
  • 1/2 cup coconut oil
  • 1/2 cup raw untreated cocoa powder or carob powder
  • 1 tablespoon blackstrap molasses
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
  • 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, almond extract
  • 2-4 tablespoons powdered herbs  Choose from Maca, Ganoderma, Cordyceps, Coriolus, Hawthorn Berry, Schizandra berry, Goji berry, Siberian Ginseng

Preparation

  • Cover the nuts with filtered water and soak the nuts overnight
  • In a separate bowl soak the raisins or prunes for at least 2 hours before preparation
  • Drain the nuts and dried fruit and grind into a paste (use a food processor or a mortar and pestle)
  • Add the remaining ingredients and blend until smooth.
  • Roll into small balls and then coat with more cocoa powder

 Variations:

  • Coat some of the balls in toasted or untoasted  shredded coconut or crushed toasted almonds or cinnamon powder
  • Use 1/4 cup organic dried cranberries 1/4 cup raisins or prunes
  • Use dates in place of berries, raisins or prunes (Medjool dates are best)
  • Experiment with other flavors such as mint, ginger, orange peel, lemon peel
  • You can split the basic paste into 2 or 3 or 4 parts and make each one a different flavor!
  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks
  • Serve at room temperature
  • Makes 2 cups

    This recipe is vegan, vegetarian, gluten free and dairy free

    This recipe was adapted from Real Food All Year by Nishanga Bliss, L.Ac.

    (Photo credit: NourishingCook)