Dark Chocolate Truffles

Who doesn't dream of rich, fudgey dark chocolate truffles? Especially ones not crammed with refined sugars, unhealthy vegetable oils and processed junk. Introducing a Paleo version of the decadent truffle! The creamy dense texture comes from coconut oil and avocado, the sweetness from natural dates and the dark chocolate from 100% pure cacao powder. Top these gems with some vanilla coconut ice cream or coconut whipped cream and you have a super healthy dessert! 

Ingredients

• 1 medium very ripe avocado (about 120 grams)
• 1/2 cup (or 10-12) pitted Noor dates
• 1/4 cup 100% organic cacao powder + 2 more Tablespoons for rolling
• 1 1/2 Tablespoon melted organic coconut oil
• 1 1/2 Tablespoon Bob's Red Mill organic coconut flour
• Dash of Himalania Pink Salt 

Options:

• Sprinkle dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs into the mix; I'm betting that'd be epic!
• Same goes for any kind of chopped nuts: if you love it, add it!
• You can always roll these in shredded coconut as well, whatever you want!

How to prepare

Cut the dates into thirds and soak them

in a bowl of water for 1-2 hours

• Drain the excess water and toss the dates into a food processor
• Cut and add a very ripe avocado to the processor (I use about 3/4 of a large, about 120 grams if you're into weighing)
• Add the cocoa powder, coconut flour, melted coconut oil and sea salt
• Blend on high, pausing to scrape the sides periodically 
• Continue blending until the texture is velvety smooth

• Refrigerate for a half hour or so to set the mixture for rolling
• Spoon out and roll into a ball (this recipe will make about 14 quarter-sized balls)

• Roll in the extra cacao powder to coat, then place into a container
• Once all of the truffles have been rolled and coated, seal the container and place in the refrigerator for about two hours

• Serve with vanilla coconut ice cream or coconut whipped cream to make your day truly spectacular!  

Quick Tips:

• Be sure the avocado is super ripe so it blends easily
• Cut and soak the dates for a couple of hours, then rinse (it makes them far softer to blend)
• Leave the mixture in the fridge for a half hour or so to keep the mixture from being too sticky (the cold helps it set for easier rolling)
• Once you form the truffles and roll them in the cacao powder (or whatever topping you choose), let them chill in the fridge for a couple more hours for the best taste/consistency
• Truffles will keep for up to two weeks in the fridge and freeze well, too! 

Where's the sugar?

• In the dates, of course! Noor dates are less sweet and have fewer calories than the Medjool,  and boast calcium, iron, Vitamin B-6 and magnesium. Some of the sugar is fructose, so be aware of that if you have metabolic syndrome; however, dates are approved on the Whole 30 and Paleo diet. 

Macro Nutrient Information (14 truffles)

       Calories per truffle:  50ish      Protein: 1.2 grams        Carbs:  4.3 grams     Fat: 3 grams