Day 22 – Valentine’s Day Raw Chocolate Truffles!

Happy Valentine’s Day!
Indulge in guilt free raw chocolate truffles made with raw cacao powder!

Raw cacao powder is packed with antioxidants which protect the body from ageing and disease. It contains the highest amount of antioxidants of all natural foods in the world – 14 times the amount of red wine and 21 times the amount of green tea!

Cacao regulates blood pressure and helps build the immune system. It is rich in magnesium and sulfur leading to strong nails, shiny hair, and a healthy liver and pancreas. It contains MAO inhibitors which is often added to weight loss supplements.

And because it is Valentine’s Day, I have to add that cacao in a natural aphrodisiac. It contains anandamide which is known to enhance euphoria and a mood enhancer known as phenylethylamine.

Make your sweet (or yourself!) this guilt-free Valentine’s Day sweet!

*Keep in mind raw cacao is different from the regular grocery store stuff that is dried at extremely high temperatures, processed, and void of most of its good stuff.

Raw Chocolate Truffles Recipe 1
makes about 1 dozen

1 cup seeds (I used a combination of sunflower, sesame, and pumpkin)
1/2 cup dates (soaked 5 minutes)
4 Tbsp raw cacao powder
pinch salt
crushed nuts for rolling (I used almonds)

• Process seeds in food processor until fine.
• Squeeze out water from dates and add one at a time to processor.
• Add salt and cacao and continue processing until combined.
• Roll by the heaping tablespoon full into balls.
• Roll into crushed nuts.

Raw Chocolate Truffles Recipe 2
makes about 1 dozen

1 cup raw nuts (I used a combination of pecans and walnuts)
1/2 cup dates (soaked 5 minutes)
4 Tbsp raw cacao powder
2 Tbsp dessicated coconut
pinch salt
extra coconut for rolling

• Process nuts in food processor until fine.
• Squeeze out water from dates and add one at a time to processor.
• Add cacao, coconut, and salt and continue processing until combined.
• Roll by the heaping tablespoon full into balls.
• Roll into coconut.

I made origami boxes and put each truffle in a mini-cupcake liner to give as gifts!