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Healthy Dark Chocolate Truffles

posted by Mel, selected from Natural Solutions magazine Jun 24, 2009 12:03 pm
Healthy Dark Chocolate Truffles
24 comments

Chocolate truffles are generally deemed sinful thanks to the preponderance of cream and butter that is part of their charm. But it doesn’t have to be that way! This version relies on raw cashews and dates for a rich and healthy base that is packed with nutrients rather than high-calorie dairy.

1 bag or bar of dark chocolate (12 oz)
1 2/3 cups raw cashews
8 oz dates, finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Zest of 1/2 of an orange

1. Melt chocolate in double boiler until just melted.
2. Meanwhile, blend 2/3 cups cashews with 2/3 cups water in blender on high for 30 seconds. Chop remaining cashews and set aside.
3. Fold together melted chocolate, cashew mixture, dates, sea salt, and orange zest.
4. Refrigerate until firm, approximately 45 minutes. Roll 3/4-inch balls in hands and then in chopped cashews. Refrigerate until ready to serve. (Note: Truffles will keep in freezer up to 1 month.)

Makes 24 truffles

Nutrition info per truffle: 105 calories; 5 g fat; 3 g saturated fat; 1 mg cholesterol; 1 g protein; 15 g carbohydrates; 1.5 g fiber; 5 mg sodium.

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24 comments

24 comments

add your comment »
24 comments add your comment
Jane Law

Thanks.

kd didit

I'm a dark chocoholic. I made this recipe for my family and we're very happy with the result. I will make this again. I used walnuts instead of cashews b/c the walnuts were on sale.

Steve Gomer

Personally, I love Cashews(1 of my favorite nuts,besides my self that is) but nuts in food? well thats just nuts(crazy). And Dates? forgetaboutit......

Sharon S.

Cetan, You could try a salt substitute like potassium - gives the salty flavour and would be good for easing your swelling / high blood pressure / strain on your heart.

Jillian Baker

Cetan,
Salt is usually used in dessert recipes to accentuate the sweetness. You should be fine without it.
- j

Cetan te Neuse

Do you have to have the sea salt?
I am HIGHLY allergic to ALL kinds of salt it makes me swell,I have congenetal Heart Defect which makes it even worse,it's a big hasle going to the store and reading the lables making sure it has less than 100mg sudium;it seems like it takes me all day to do.

Cetan te Neuse

I love Truffles I can't wait to try these,I have to have them without milk choclate as I have an allergy to cows milk I hope I can find it at the store I go to.
I will serve them as a dessert when my boyfriends comes over.

Salla P.

Jason E, there is a lot of vegan chocolate available. Not every chocolate bar contains milk, just look up the labels!

Sharon S.

Hi
Boy, do these look good! Any ideas for substituting the cashews for a non-nut / peanut variation? Does anyone think pine nuts will work?

Jillian Baker

Jason,
It's rather easy to find dairy-free dark chocolate. Just read the labels.

- J

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