DATE AND ALMOND TRUFFLES

Sweet and nutty chocolate truffles are fun to make, pretty to look at, and even better to share with your friends and neighbors!

Nutty date truffles are a sweet ‘’pick-me-up’’ treat that is naturally sweetened with dates without adding sugar. You just won’t believe how good they taste and how easy to prepare they can be.

Many of us parents work hard to keep refined sugar intake low. Sometimes though it’s hard to do so when so many things tempt us and our kids on supermarket shelves. This recipe contains only the natural sugar in dates, it is a great alternative to many sugary commercial products and you can rest knowing exactly what you are serving for your family.

I love to make amazing looking food that tastes terrific. And I don’t like compromising on quality and this is what these healthy truffles are all about.

Fudgy and nutty, these truffles feel sinful, except that they’re not. Loaded with healthy dates and nuts, these are bliss balls that you need to always have a batch of at home!

INGREDIENTS:

• 100g Dates (deseeded)
• 100g Almonds
• 6-7 tbsp Chocolate chips
• 50 g Shredded Coconut (optional)
• 2 tsp Chia Seeds (optional)
• To Coat (optional)
• 150 gms Melted chocolate (or)
• ¼ cup Cocoa Powder
• Sprinkles
• desiccated coconut 
• silver balls

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a small bowl, melt the chocolate chips in the microwave or using the double boiler method.
2. In a food processor or a high-power mixer, add the dates, and almonds together.
3. Add coconut, and chia seeds if using. Grind till it becomes a coarse mixture.
4. Start to add the melted chocolate till the whole thing becomes like a slightly sticky dough. You should be able to make a firm ball without it crumbling in your hands. If the mix feels too dry, add a tbsp more of the melted chocolate.
5. Make equal sized balls with the dough and place them on a greased plate.
6. You can then dip each ball into some melted chocolate (let them rest for 10 minutes to dry) or coat them in cocoa powder or in coconut flakes.
7. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.

NOTES:
I like using almonds or a mix of almonds and walnuts in equal quantity. You could also do a mix of other kinds like hazelnuts or pecans. Similiarly, you could use other dried fruits or seeds such as flax, or raisins and cranberries.